Autodesk requests AutoCAD for OS X feedback

netromac · May 5, 2003 5:24AM

According to Think Secret that Autodesk is requesting feedback on AutoCAD for OS X. Article here

Quote:

Autodesk requests AutoCAD for OS X feedback

By Nick dePlume, Publisher and Editor in Chief

May 5, 2003 - Will Autodesk Inc. develop its industry-standard AutoCAD software for Mac OS X?

"I can tell you we're talking to all the major players at the high end of the CAD, mCAD, engineering CAD about bringing their apps to OS X," said Richard Kerris, Apple's Senior Director of Developer Technologies, in a January CNET News.com interview, fueling speculation. Sources say that Apple Developer Relations has indeed been pressuring Autodesk to pursue such a release.

While no solid information suggests that an OS X version of AutoCAD is being developed, Autodesk is open to the possibility, and is exploring its options.

"At Autodesk, we are always interested in the latest complementary hardware technology our customers are investing in," said a spokesperson. "While we are not currently pursuing a port of AutoCAD to the Apple OS X operating system, the AutoCAD Product Manager is interested in hearing from customers who are requesting this."

The company spokesperson said that readers can email Eric Stover, AutoCAD's product manager, at [email protected] with the subject "AutoCAD for OS X".

AutoCAD 2004 is one of the industry's most popular drafting and design software products. It currently supports Windows only.

So go out and request away.

escher · May 5, 2003 7:50AM

I have to say, it would be nice to have AutoCAD for OS X for all the poor Mac-souls who are forced to work in a Wintel/AutoCAD environment. For example, take this poor sap. He was forced to run AutoCAD under VPC to keep his PowerBook G4 in a Wintel/AutoCAD environment.

On the other hand, the export/import functionality in Nemetschek's VectorWorks 10 has improved to a point where file exchange with AutoCAD is manageable. And the user interface is just a million times better in VectorWorks than in AutoCAD. I'd hate to see AutoCAD's crappy user interface gain ground from the excellent VectorWorks on the Mac.

Admittedly, my needs and exprience are very limited, so I'm not an autority on the subject of Mac CAD programs. (I'm still on VectorWorks 9.5 but hope to move up to 10.1 later this summer. I use VW to manipulate designs for hot air balloon envelopes, usually imported from Windows AutoCAD files.)

Escher

buonrotto · May 5, 2003 8:51AM

Escher summed up my conundrum. It would be great to have a big player like AutoDesk on the platform, however, I hate AutoCAD and wouldn't use it unless I absolutely had to. Also, I am wary of a half-assed port of ACAD to the platform.

netromac · May 5, 2003 9:04AM

Agree with both of you. On the other side I know several autocad users (mac users) that would like to see autocad released for the mac. They work in ACAD on pc's instead. VW is a good program, no doubt, but many have used ACAD for years and is used too the interface. And if they decide to release ACAD for the mac, they better make it good or they shouldn't bother at all. We have no use for "half-assed" ports!

escher · May 5, 2003 11:05AM

Conundrum is indeed the word. Do you guys remember Jeff Goldblum using that word in the commercial for the colorful iMacs?

Talking about half-assed ports. Isn't there a version of AutoCAD that runs on some flavor of UNIX? If so, AutoDesk might choose to give OS X users an X11-based port. I'm sure this would do wonders for the acceptance of Macs in Wintel environments. But again, the user interface might not be pretty or good. I'm ambivalent.

NETROmac is right though. For people who have been "forced" to use AutoCAD for years, if not decades, the crummy user interface and steep learning curve is a non-issue. They've adapted and a new, better interface would actually force them to relearn. So maybe a half-assed X11 port of AutoCAD is what we actually need.

One more point: competition is (usually) good for consumers. Some competition between AutoCAD X and VectorWorks might actually be a good thing.

Escher

cowerd · May 5, 2003 1:07PM

Quote:

For people who have been "forced" to use AutoCAD for years, if not decades, the crummy user interface and steep learning curve is a non-issue. They've adapted and a new, better interface would actually force them to relearn. So maybe a half-assed X11 port of AutoCAD is what we actually need.

One more point: competition is (usually) good for consumers. Some competition between AutoCAD X and VectorWorks might actually be a good thing.

No ACAD jockey I know even uses the interface. The CLI is still the most efficient way to deal with ACAD despite "interface improvements".

In the case of ACAD it really wouldn't be competition. In the world of A/E ACAD is like MS Office. I really don't know what an OSX version would do for Apple, where do you think Apple could sell boxes? There is still to much other stuff that lives Wintel only including 3DS, Rhino, lots of ACAD add-ons and project management software including AutoDesk's own Buzzsaw. The whole A/E thingis really a workflow set of tools of which ACAD is a small (but important) part.

chych · May 5, 2003 1:16PM

I could sure use ProEngineer for several projects of mine. Running it on XP is like jumping off a cliff, and the Sun workstations they have here are sluggish (but stable). Can't run it in X11 due to some hardware issues too... oh well.

stratosfear · May 14, 2003 1:24AM

(www.apple.com/hotnews)

AutoCAD for Mac OS X

The AutoCAD product manager would like to hear from people interested in having Autodesk develop AutoCAD for Mac OS X. Let him know what you think. [May 13]

[email protected]

stratosfear · May 14, 2003 1:37AM

AutoCAD has been Windows product since version 13?, which was released in 1993. Last Macintosh version was R12, which was released in 1992.

I don't think there could be AutoCAD for Mac OS X, because it's so Windows program and new OS could mean a lot of work.

stratosfear · May 14, 2003 1:38AM

http://www.architecturalcadd.com/cla...ddhistory.html

escher · May 14, 2003 1:00PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stratosfear

AutoCAD for Mac OS X

The AutoCAD product manager would like to hear from people interested in having Autodesk develop AutoCAD for Mac OS X. Let him know what you think. [May 13]

Isn't it funny how Apple picked up on Nick de Plume's Think Secret story? Kudos to Nick for leading the Apple-horse to the river.

Escher

kickaha · May 14, 2003 2:23PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stratosfear

AutoCAD has been Windows product since version 13?, which was released in 1993. Last Macintosh version was R12, which was released in 1992.

I don't think there could be AutoCAD for Mac OS X, because it's so Windows program and new OS could mean a lot of work.

AutoCAD is also a Unix program that runs on several Unices... HP/UX, Solaris, etc.

They re-use the back-end, and produce a Cocoa GUI, and voila.

kcmac · May 15, 2003 9:06AM

This is what was sent to me. I already thought that thousands of petitions have been sent to AutoCad regarding coming to OSX.

From Eric Stover.

To respond to this survey, create a reply e-mail message that contains the survey._ Some e-mail systems require you to manually copy and paste the survey into your reply._ Make sure the reply contains the survey authentication marker.

To answer a question, type an x between the brackets, like this:_ [ x ]._ For fill-in-the-blanks, type between the brackets like this:_ [ your response ]._ Please make no other changes to this survey.

_1._ Which statement best describes your geographical location?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ North America

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Central/South America

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Asia Pacific

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Europe

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Middle East/Africa

_2._ What is the name of your company (or educational institution)?_ [___ ]

_3._ What is your company (or educational institution) website URL?_ [___ ]

_4._ How many full-time employees work at your company?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ not applicable

__ [_ ]__ b)_ 1

__ [_ ]__ c)_ 2-4

__ [_ ]__ d)_ 5-9

__ [_ ]__ e)_ 10-19

__ [_ ]__ f)_ 20-49

__ [_ ]__ g)_ 50-99

__ [_ ]__ h)_ 100-199

__ [_ ]__ i)_ 200-499

__ [_ ]__ j)_ 500-999

__ [_ ]__ k)_ 1000-1499

__ [_ ]__ l)_ 1500-1999

__ [_ ]__ m)_ 2000+

_5._ Which title best defines your role in your company/school?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Student

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Educator

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Designer/Drafter

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Engineer

__ [_ ]__ e)_ CAD Manager

__ [_ ]__ f)_ IT Manager

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Director/Principal

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_6._ In your own words please describe the primary type of work you do: [___ ]

_7._ How many years have you been using CAD software?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ I do not currently use any CAD software

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Less than one year

__ [_ ]__ c)_ 1-2 years

__ [_ ]__ d)_ 3-4 years

__ [_ ]__ e)_ 5-9 years

__ [_ ]__ f)_ 10-15 years

__ [_ ]__ g)_ 15+_ years

_8._ How would you rate your current level of expertise with CAD software?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ No Experience

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Novice

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Average

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Power User

_9._ Approximately how many seats of AutoCAD would you be interested in purchasing for the MAC operating system?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ 1

__ [_ ]__ b)_ 2-3

__ [_ ]__ c)_ 4-5

__ [_ ]__ d)_ 6-9

__ [_ ]__ e)_ 10-15

__ [_ ]__ f)_ 16-20

__ [_ ]__ g)_ 21-30

__ [_ ]__ h)_ 31-39

__ [_ ]__ i)_ more than 40

_10._ Approximately what price would you expect to pay for AutoCAD for the MAC.

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ less than $500 (US Currency)

__ [_ ]__ b)_ $500-750

__ [_ ]__ c)_ $750-999

__ [_ ]__ d)_ $1000-1499

__ [_ ]__ e)_ $1500-1999

__ [_ ]__ f)_ $2000-2499

__ [_ ]__ g)_ $2500-2999

__ [_ ]__ h)_ $3000-3499

__ [_ ]__ i)_ more than $3500

_11._ In regards to your previous question, do you consider this an upgrade price from your current version of AutoCAD, or is this a price for a new seat?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Upgrade Price

__ [_ ]__ b)_ New Seat Pice

_12._ Would AutoCAD LT be an acceptable solution for OS X, instead of AutoCAD?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Yes

__ [_ ]__ b)_ No

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Don't Know

_13._ If you answered "No" to the previous question, why is AutoCAD LT not a good solution?

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ No 3D modeling capabilities

__ [_ ]__ b)_ No Customization (like LISP, VBA) or third-party applications

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_14._ If you currently use our products, which of the following AutoCAD API's do you actively use:

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ LISP

__ [_ ]__ b)_ ADS

__ [_ ]__ c)_ ARX

__ [_ ]__ d)_ DIESEL

__ [_ ]__ e)_ DCL

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Scripts

__ [_ ]__ g)_ VBA

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

__ [_ ]__ i)_ None

_15._ What software is your primary CAD application at your company/school?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ AutoCAD for Mac (Release 10 or Release 12)

__ [_ ]__ b)_ AutoCAD for Microsoft Windows (any version)

__ [_ ]__ c)_ AutoCAD LT (any version)

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Autodesk Architectural Desktop (any version)

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Autodesk Revit

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Autodesk Inventor

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Microstation

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Ashlar

__ [_ ]__ i)_ ArchiCAD

__ [_ ]__ j)_ VectorWorks

__ [_ ]__ k)_ PowerCADD

__ [_ ]__ l)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_16._ Approximately how many seats of this application does your company/school currently own?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ 1

__ [_ ]__ b)_ 2-3

__ [_ ]__ c)_ 4-5

__ [_ ]__ d)_ 6-9

__ [_ ]__ e)_ 10-15

__ [_ ]__ f)_ 16-20

__ [_ ]__ g)_ 21-30

__ [_ ]__ h)_ 31-39

__ [_ ]__ i)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_17._ Do you currently use PC emulation software (such as VirtualPC?)

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Yes, I use emulation software

__ [_ ]__ b)_ No

_18._ If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, why do you find it unsatisfactory (if at all)? [___ ]

_19._ In your own words, why was the adoption of the previous AutoCAD/MAC port unsuccessful in the MAC community in the 1980's? What should be done differently this time? [___ ]

_20._ Please select the current Operating System(s) your company/school uses to host your primary design CAD software application:

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Windows 95

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Windows 98

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Windows NT4

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Windows ME

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Windows 2000

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Windows XP Home

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Windows XP Professional

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Apple OS X (or above)

__ [_ ]__ i)_ Linux (any version)

__ [_ ]__ j)_ UNIX (any version)

__ [_ ]__ k)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_21._ When does your company/school plan to upgrade your OS?

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Next 6 months

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Next 12 months

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Next 18 months

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Next 24 months

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Don't know

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_22._ What printers and/or plotters do you currently use?

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ HP DesignJet (200,220,230,250) Printer

__ [_ ]__ b)_ HP DesignJet (330, 350C) Printer

__ [_ ]__ c)_ HP DesignJet (430, 450C, 455C, 488CA) Printer

__ [_ ]__ d)_ HP (500, 500ps)

__ [_ ]__ e)_ HP DesignJet (600, 650) Printer

__ [_ ]__ f)_ HP DesignJet (700, 750C, 750C Plus, 755cm) Printer

__ [_ ]__ g)_ HP (800, 800ps)

__ [_ ]__ h)_ HP DesignJet Printer (1050C, 1055CM) Printer

__ [_ ]__ i)_ HP DesignJet (2000CP, 2500CP, 2800CP) Printer

__ [_ ]__ j)_ HP DesignJet (3000CP, 3500CP, 3800CP) Printer

__ [_ ]__ k)_ HP (5000, 5000ps)

__ [_ ]__ l)_ HP DesignJet (CPROGA, CPROCAD) Printer

__ [_ ]__ m)_ Xerox DocuColor (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ n)_ Xerox DocuPrint (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ o)_ Xerox Document Centre (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ p)_ Xerox Phaser (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ q)_ Xerox WorkCentre (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ r)_ Oce (750, 3275, 8445, 8465, 9260)

__ [_ ]__ s)_ Oce PageStream (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ t)_ Oce DemandStream (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ u)_ Lexmark (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ v)_ Canon (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ w)_ Epson (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ x)_ CalComp (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ y)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_23._ What printers and/or plotters would you require for AutoCAD on OS X?

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ HP DesignJet (200,220,230,250) Printer

__ [_ ]__ b)_ HP DesignJet (330, 350C) Printer

__ [_ ]__ c)_ HP DesignJet (430, 450C, 455C, 488CA) Printer

__ [_ ]__ d)_ HP (500, 500ps)

__ [_ ]__ e)_ HP DesignJet (600, 650) Printer

__ [_ ]__ f)_ HP DesignJet (700, 750C, 750C Plus, 755cm) Printer

__ [_ ]__ g)_ HP (800, 800ps)

__ [_ ]__ h)_ HP DesignJet Printer (1050C, 1055CM) Printer

__ [_ ]__ i)_ HP DesignJet (2000CP, 2500CP, 2800CP) Printer

__ [_ ]__ j)_ HP DesignJet (3000CP, 3500CP, 3800CP) Printer

__ [_ ]__ k)_ HP (5000, 5000ps)

__ [_ ]__ l)_ HP DesignJet (CPROGA, CPROCAD) Printer

__ [_ ]__ m)_ Xerox DocuColor (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ n)_ Xerox DocuPrint (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ o)_ Xerox Document Centre (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ p)_ Xerox Phaser (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ q)_ Xerox WorkCentre (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ r)_ Oce (750, 3275, 8445, 8465, 9260)

__ [_ ]__ s)_ Oce PageStream (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ t)_ Oce DemandStream (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ u)_ Lexmark (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ v)_ Canon (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ w)_ Epson (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ x)_ CalComp (Any make or model)

__ [_ ]__ y)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

_24._ What best describes your role in the selection/purchase of new design software?_

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ I am not involved in the decision making process

__ [_ ]__ b)_ I help specify which design software we purchase, but do not have purchasing authority

__ [_ ]__ c)_ I specify which design software we select, and have purchasing authority

_25._ Any other general comments for the product team regarding AutoCAD on OS X? [___ ]

_

kcmac · May 15, 2003 9:06AM

The rest of the survey.

26._ Please read through the options below and select one that best describes your work.

__ Choose one:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Building design, construction, and management: Go to question 15

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Mapping, civil, and infrastructure management: Go to question 17

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Manufacturing design and process management: Go to question 19

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Other: Go to question 21

_27._ Please indicate in which building industry you use CAD products.

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Commercial buildings

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Industrial buildings

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Industrial Facilities

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Residential

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Government

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Education

_28._ Put an X next to one or more of these categories that describe how you use CAD products.

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Architecture

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Building Systems Engineering/Design

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Interior Design

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Civil Engineering

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Construction and/or Design/Build

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Building/Facility Management and Leasing

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Planning

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Building equipment manufacturing & supply (content creation/publishing management)

__ [_ ]__ i)_ Teaching and Learning_

__ [_ ]__ j)_ Application Development

Return the survey now. Thank you for participating.

_29._ Please indicate in which mapping, civil, and infrastructure management industry you use CAD products.

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Commercial water, gas, electric utilities

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Government

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Natural Resources

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Environmental

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Oil and Gas

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Educational

_30._ Put an X next to one or more of these categories that describe how you use CAD products.

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Mapping

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Surveying

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Civil Engineering

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Field Service and Maintenance

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Planning

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Outside Plant/Infrastructure Design and Management

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Electrical Network Design

__ [_ ]__ i)_ Teaching and Learning

__ [_ ]__ j)_ Application Development

Return the survey now. Thank you for participating.

_31._ Please indicate in which manufacturing design and process management you use CAD products.

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Aerospace

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Automotive

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Industrial Machinery

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Industrial Equipment

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Consumer Products

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Government

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Education

_32._ Put an X next to one or more of these categories that describe how you use CAD products.

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Machinery Design

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Tool and Die Design

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Product Design

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Manufacturing Analysis

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Manufacturing

__ [_ ]__ f)_ Project Management

__ [_ ]__ g)_ Teaching and Learning

__ [_ ]__ h)_ Application Development

Return the survey now. Thank you for participating.

_33._ If "Other": Which of the following describes the primary type of work you do using CAD Software:

__ Choose all that apply:

__ [_ ]__ a)_ Chemical engineering

__ [_ ]__ b)_ Electronic schematics

__ [_ ]__ c)_ Printed circuit board layout

__ [_ ]__ d)_ Scientific or technical research

__ [_ ]__ e)_ Other, please specify... [___ ]

Return the survey now. Thank you for participating.

stratosfear · May 16, 2003 7:12AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kickaha

AutoCAD is also a Unix program that runs on several Unices... HP/UX, Solaris, etc.

It was over ten years ago... AutoCAD has been only Windows project since ??? (ten years?).

Autodesk requests AutoCAD for OS X feedback

Comments