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Hewlett-Packard and Autodesk Collaborate on Enhanced Plotting Solution

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hewlett-Packard Company and Autodesk, Inc. have developed a plotter driver that supports HP DesignJet large-format inkjet plotters and compatible HP-GL/2 devices for Autodesk's new AutoCAD Release 13 computer-aided-design software. This collaboration brings significant performance improvements and enhanced functionality to CAD users. The new driver is included in the box with AutoCAD Release 13, which started shipping on November 28, 1994.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new plotter driver supports HP DesignJet 650C color plotter, DesignJet 600 and DesignJet 200 monochrome plotters, as well as the recently introduced DesignJet 220 plotter.
  • The driver also supports HP's DraftMaster and DraftPro Plus large-format pen plotters, 7600 series electrostatic plotters, LaserJet III and LaserJet 4 printers, and the PaintJet XL300 color inkjet printer.
  • The driver provides users with enhanced functionality, including the ability to change plotter front-panel settings directly from a PC, plot and render images of 3-D solid models, and add annotations to a design.
  • Users can set pens select various line widths and fill patterns from their PCs.
  • The new driver uses the AutoCAD Device Interface (ADI) and gives users significantly better performance than standard system-printer drivers, with plots completing up to five to six times faster.
  • The driver supports DOS, Windows NT, HP-UX, and Sun Solaris operating systems.
  • Autodesk's AutoCAD Release 13 is included in the box with the new driver and started shipping on November 28, 1994.
  • Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of computer-aided design automation software and the fifth-largest PC software company.
  • Autodesk markets products in 115 countries and 18 languages and has been a global company since its founding in 1982.
  • Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications, and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support.

Statistics:

  • Revenue of $25 billion in 1994 fiscal year for Hewlett-Packard Company.
  • 98,400 employees at Hewlett-Packard Company in 1994.
  • 115 countries and 18 languages in which Autodesk markets products.
  • 415-332-2344 as the phone number for information about Autodesk.
  • 1-800-964-6432 as the phone number for locating the Authorized Autodesk Dealer nearest the user.

Sources:

  • Business Wire press release on December 8, 1994.
  • Autodesk, Inc. product information and company history.
  • Hewlett-Packard Company product information and company history.
  • Microsoft Corp. and X/Open Company Limited trademark information.

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