Autodesk Acquires Micro Application Packages Limited

Acquisition Helps Extend Building Information Modeling Across the Building Lifecycle Beyond Design to Support Fabrication and Construction.

Autodesk, Inc announced that it has acquired Micro Application Packages Limited (MAP Software), a UK-based provider of CAD, CAM and estimating software that supports fabrication and construction for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) industry. MAP Software’s technology will be an important addition to the Autodesk Building Information Modeling (BIM) portfolio for MEP contractors and engineers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition of MAP Software will help Autodesk support the evolution to model-based design workflows among MEP contractors, engineers, designers and fabricators who provide design, detailing, estimating and manufacturing services for MEP systems. Adding MAP Software’s products to the Autodesk portfolio provides additional tools for building systems design and fabrication, which complements existing AutoCAD, AutoCAD MEP and Autodesk Revit MEP project lifecycle workflows. The acquisition further expands the Autodesk portfolio for MEP contractors and fabricators by providing tools for the manufacturing, fabrication and installation of MEP systems.

“Autodesk is extending BIM across the building lifecycle beyond design to support building fabrication and construction for the MEP engineering industry,” said Jay Bhatt, senior vice president, Architecture, Engineering and Construction Solutions, Autodesk. “The acquisition of MAP Software helps us to complete the workflows from design to fabrication with solutions that support detailing, estimating and manufacturing for MEP contractors and engineers.

“By offering fabrication tools that support BIM-based workflows,” continued Bhatt, “we are closing the gap between design and construction. This will help make BIM valuable for fabrication, further advancing adoption in the MEP engineering industry.”

“Since 1982 MAP Software has been a leading provider of software solutions for detailing, estimating and manufacturing of ducting, piping, plumbing and electrical containment systems for the MEP contractors market,” said Peter Barcock, former managing director of MAP Software. “Autodesk has been a valued business partner, sharing our dedication to advancing BIM. By combining our resources we can further help enable MEP contractors and engineers to seamlessly extend design information through to fabrication and on to construction within a BIM workflow.”

Autodesk intends to integrate MAP Software’s solutions into its AEC portfolio. During the transition, existing MAP Software customers and prospects can continue to visit the company’s website for up-to-date information.

“For 10 years we have been working with MAP Software to help the MEP industry transition to BIM,” said Bernie Tamasy, chief executive officer of MAP Software reseller, Technical Sales International, Inc. “To that end we have applied our industry knowledge to bring innovative BIM-based fabrication tools to MEP contractors and fabricators. Moving forward we intend to continue this effort via a strategic partnership with Autodesk. We see the Autodesk BIM portfolio combined with MAP Software offerings as a way to continue transitioning the industry to BIM, from design through to fabrication.”

Business Outlook

This transaction is expected to have no impact on guidance issued on Aug. 18, 2011.