SAN RAFAEL, Calif. & HERNDON, Va.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—November 11, 2008— Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) and CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G) today announced they have partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to provide software and hardware solutions to the Iraqi-based manufacturing firm Heavy Engineering Equipment State Company (HEESCO).

The technology provided by Autodesk and CDW-G will help HEESCO’s engineers bring their technology infrastructure up-to-date, enabling more efficient design and production of commercially used electromechanical industrial equipment and contributing to the Iraqi government’s articulated goal of transitioning the Iraqi economy from a state-owned to an open-market model.

The DoD’s decision to assist in providing the software and hardware came after an evaluation of 57 Iraqi businesses that were considered best suited to help the country achieve long-term economic growth and stability. The project was sponsored by the Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations in Iraq, which works to reduce unemployment and bolster the Iraqi economy.

HEESCO will use AutoCAD software, the world’s leading computer aided design platform with over 25 years of continuous 2D and 3D design innovation, and Autodesk Inventor software, the industry-leading mechanical engineering and design software for manufacturing, to better automate its design process by migrating paper and pencil drafting documents into 3D digital models. Inventor software – the foundation of the Autodesk solution for Digital Prototyping – will enable the company to virtually design and simulate machinery, car parts and heavy equipment before the product is built, saving both time and money from costly re-designs. The company will also be able to more easily share designs among themselves and with customers.

“Autodesk is one of the first U.S. technology companies to provide software to a company that will help the Iraqi people rebuild their manufacturing industry,” said Bill Goodson, vice president, Autodesk Government. “HEESCO joins companies from around the world who use Autodesk solutions to quickly bring their designs to life.”

HEESCO will modernize its data center and desktops with HP and APC hardware provided by CDW-G that will maximize the engineers’ design capabilities, streamline data center management and provide robust storage functionality. CDW-G, in cooperation with the Task Force, configured, installed and shipped an APC NetShelter^® server rack complete with an APC Smart-UPS^® (Uninterruptible Power Supply) and an HP ProLiant DL320 Storage Server backed up by an HP StorageWorks Ultrium 960-FC tape library. The server supports 40 HP xw4600 Workstations equipped with 80 GB hot-swappable hard drives and Intel Core 2 Duo processors for optimal flexibility and power. The CDW-G-configured workstations also include the Microsoft XP operating system, as well as high-end NVDIA Quadro graphics boards and 20-inch LCD monitors.

“Savvy use of new technology is vital for companies like HEESCO to prosper,” said Sami Zarzour, vice president, Public Sector Volume Sales, HP. “HP storage solutions and workstation computers, which are ideal for designing in AutoCAD, will enable the plant to design cutting-edge products that can compete in the global marketplace.”

“Choosing the right hardware is paramount to maximizing the capabilities of Iraq’s professional engineering capabilities,” said Andy Lausch, senior director of Federal sales for CDW-G. “Working with the DoD, CDW-G evaluated HEESCO’s specific needs to provide the data center and workstation equipment that would facilitate the quickest up-time, the right processing power, and convenient scalability – all of which will aid the Iraqi engineers in designing modern pressure vessels, circuit boards, pipes and other industrial equipment to meet the needs of Iraqi businesses today.”

About CDW-G

A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW Corporation, ranked No. 34 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies, CDW Government, Inc. (CDW-G) is a leading provider of technology solutions for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as educational institutions at all levels. The company features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company’s technology specialists and engineers offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers can assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include notebooks, desktops, printers, servers and storage, unified communications, security, wireless, power and cooling, networking, software licensing and mobility solutions.

For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.800.808.4239, email Email Contact or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com.

About Autodesk Government

Autodesk Government is a dedicated organization within Autodesk that has served the needs of federal and state/local government agencies for more than 20 years. Autodesk Government delivers software solutions that integrate geospatial, manufacturing, design and engineering data with other critical information to reduce the time it takes to make informed decisions. In roles that include emergency response management, physical infrastructure design and protection, mission rehearsal, simulation and training, and asset tracking, Autodesk Government is a trusted partner to help agencies ensure mission success.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is the world leader in 2D and 3D design software for the manufacturing, building and construction, and media and entertainment markets. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk has developed the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art digital prototyping solutions to help customers experience their ideas before they are real. Fortune 1000 companies rely on Autodesk for the tools to visualize, simulate and analyze real-world performance early in the design process to save time and money, enhance quality and foster innovation. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com .