Supported Applications for Autodesk Labs Technology Previews

Some Autodesk Labs technology previews are web services (e.g., Project Pinocchio). Others are stand-alone applications (e.g., Project Memento). Other times the technology preview is an add-on for one of our hero products (e.g., Design Checker for Inventor). When the technology preview is an add-on, I always make sure to include a Supported Applications page on the Labs site that identifies what versions of the hero applications are supported. Recently the Autodesk Research team added support to Project Chronicle for Inventor, so I had to update its page.

That got me to thinking about the various products, how I list them, and what are the differences. So as today's blog topic, I thought I'd list a few.

	AutoCAD versus AutoCAD LT Although this is probably an oversimplification, AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD in that AutoCAD LT is 2D-only and lacks the programmability that allows users to take advantage of third-party add-ons. Technology previews (e.g., DesignScript) are not typically available for AutoCAD LT.
	Inventor versus Inventor Professional Inventor is the base product for mechanical design. Inventor Professional differs from Inventor in that Inventor Professional handles mold/tool/die and electrical system design/tube and pipe runs, and validates performance with simulation and finite element analysis. Inventor LT (an Autodesk Labs graduate) differs from Inventor in that Inventor addresses large assembly design, rules-based design automation, better parts libraries, design for plastic parts, sheet metal, and frame/weldment along with superior simulation and design validation capabilities. Technology previews (e.g., Mesh Enabler for Inventor) are not available for Inventor LT.
	Revit versus the vertical flavors of Revit When Revit is listed as a supported application, it is often a catch-all term that refers to Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, and Revit Structure. There is also a product, referred to just as Revit, that is part of Building Design Suite and contains the functionality of all three in one application. As its name suggests, Revit Architecture provides Building Information Modeling (BIM) as base functionality for architects. Revit LT (formerly Project Spark on Labs) differs from Revit in that the full versions of Revit have more powerful capabilities for architectural modeling, structural modeling, advanced modeling, presentation and visualization, collaboration, file linking and importing, analysis, and the ability to work with third-party add-ons. Technology previews (e.g., Project Falcon) are not typically not available for Revit LT. BIM Globalization Product Line Manager, Steven Butler, shared with me that Revit MEP is a building services engineering specific flavor of Revit, for MEP design engineers. It provides discipline specific tools for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) coordination modeling and documentation, as well as limited tools for design calculation and analysis; such as duct and pipe sizing, and heating and cooling load analysis. Revit MEP enables engineers to progress a model from concept or the preliminary design stage of a project, to the early stages of design development. Like other flavors of Revit, Revit MEP is 3D building modeling tool that enables the process of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and not a 2D drafting or CAD tool; a distinction that is often misunderstood. Structural Product Line Manager, Pawel Piechnik, shared with me two key differentiating factors for Revit Structure include the ability to reinforce concrete elements with structural rebar and fabric sheets plus the ability to create an analytical model in relation to the physical geometry. This includes relevant attributes like definition of loads, boundary conditions, etc.
	3ds Max and Maya 3ds Max and Maya are different in that although both provide similar functionality, 3ds Max is an out-of-the-box solution with strong polygonal modeling tools whereas Maya is a more customizable, scalable, pipeline solution with advanced character animation capabilities. Whereas other LT versions are subsets of functionality compared to their non-LT companions, Maya LT is different from Maya in that Maya LT is a very specific solution for 3D asset creation for mobile game development. As a result, it has all the modeling tools of Maya plus some additional shading tools not available in Maya. Thanks to Entertainment Industry Manager, Maurice Patel, who gave me the scoop.

Except where noted, the above descriptions are just my take on these products are not official marketing materials. I'm just the Labs guy. In addition, the order is which I listed the items above is not based on favoritism or popularity. It's just the way I remember them. A while back we had an initiative to make our products more similar in user interface and more interoperable in data handling. The project was called AIRMax (and continues even today in our never ending quest to delight customers) in honor of AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit, and 3ds Max, so anytime I make a list of our hero products, I choose that order, because AIRMax comes to mind.

Application definition is alive in the lab.