AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting. It is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. The first version of AutoCAD was released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. Prior to AutoCAD, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (known as a drafter) working at a separate graphics terminal. Since 2010, AutoCAD was released as a mobile- and web app as well, marketed as AutoCAD 360.
In 2006, Autodesk announced the acquisition of Plante & Moran, PLLC’s innovative PLM software business, including Productstream and Autodesk Vault.[12] The following year, Autodesk acquired Alias Technologies Corp., makers of the Alias industrial design software products.[13]
In the fall of 2008, Autodesk acquired the Softimage brand from Avid Technology.[14] Originally developed by Canadian company Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC),[15][16] Softimage was a leader in 3D animation software with its XSI product having won several awards.[17][18][19] Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.[20][21][22]
On April 5, 2010, Autodesk announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire Wavefront Technologies Inc., a privately held company that develops technology for enhancing the visual quality of computer generated images,[23][24] for US$191 million in cash.[25][26][27] The transaction was completed on July 7,[28] 2010. As part of the transaction Wavefront’s product portfolio and all its employees were transferred to Autodesk.[29]:16[30]
In 2011: On February 21 Autodesk acquired Pixlr[31], “a free online photo editor with range of photo editing tools”.[32] On October 4 Autodesk announced it had acquired work management platform Huddle[33]. Based in San Francisco with offices in London and Washington DC Huddle provides collaboration software for businesses to create, share and manage their work online. The acquisition aimed to help Autodesk “accelerate its shift to cloud computing.”[34][35]. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Also in October 2011: A $15 million investment round led by Accel Partners with participation from existing investors Polaris Partners and Atlas Ventures was announced for construction startup Kollabora “to fuel international expansion.”[36][37]. On November 16Autodesk acquired iLogic from INOVX for an undisclosed amount.[38][39]. On December 16Autodesk announced it had formed a strategic partnership with Radiance Technologies “to deliver enhanced environmental simulation capabilities” from within its A360 cloud platform and products such as Revit LT.[40]]
