Autodesk has been around since 1982 with a line of computer-aided design (CAD) products that help businesses and designers visualize and analyze the anticipated real-world performance of a concept early in the design process. The ability to create a digital model of something before actually making it are huge:

-- You can experience "virtually" how the design will work
-- You can better design workflows surrounding the new design
-- You can "see" the idea in action before it's real
-- You can make improvements in designs before actually executing them, thus saving time and money, and improving quality

Autodesk is one of the top players globally in producing 2D and 3D design and digital prototyping software for these main sectors: 1) Manufacturing; 2) Architecture, engineering and construction; 3) Media and entertainment; 4) Automotive and transportation; 5) Education; 6) Utilities and telecommunications; 7) Government. Autodesk AutoCAD is among the company's best known products.

Here's a quick insider's guide to Autodesk products for sale by industry sector:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Autodesk software products for architecture, engineering and construction

You can use these solutions to connect and support your building industry teams.

I recommend: Autodesk has a broad and rapidly expanding software lineup for architecture, engineering and construction. You'll find dozens of offerings for architecture, design visualization, civil engineering, project management, structural engineering, MEP engineering, facilities management, as well as general design and documentation.

Stay connected with Autodesk industry blogs & communities

They're a great way to keep up with the latest news and ideas on CAD, prototyping, and more.

I recommend: About 34 Autodesk industry-specific blogs written by Autodesk staffers feature news, expert tips and insider resources. Connected, for example, is an Autodesk blog about design and building project collaboration. Also of interest: User communities in areas such as 3D animation; civil engineering; DWF; industrial design and manufacturing are a great way to stay current in your industry, grow your professional network and tap into resources. And for information on Autodesk products compared, the online communities are often a great place.

Try the free Autodesk Design Review software

You can even skip the registration page if you want and go directly to the free download.

I recommend: Autodesk Design Review is free and will let you view, print, measure and markup designs.

Autodesk Products for automotive and transportation

These Autodesk products are essentially tools for creating and presenting designs for automotive systems and bodies, along with other vehicles.

I recommend: The lineup of Autodesk products for sale for automotive and transportation includes Automotive OEM, Automotive Supplier, and Commercial & Recreation Transportation.

Get discounts on Autodesk software for education

High schools, career schools, universities and students can get access to Autodesk products at a discount.

I recommend: Download free software at the Autodesk Online Community for Teachers and Students. Autodesk support for education includes the Autodesk Design Institute, Design Academy and Animation Academy.

Autodesk products for manufacturing

These are intended to help you create, validate and manage designs from initial concept through manufacturing.

I recommend: Manufacturing-related Autodesk products call into these categories: 1) Conceptual design; 2) 3D mechanical design; 3) 2D design; 4) Electrical design; 5) Plant design; 6) Collaboration; 7) Visualization; 8) Data management. .

Autodesk products for media & entertainment

Creative professionals in the movie biz, among others, use these Autodesk software packages to transform imagination into reality.

I recommend: Autodesk products for media & entertainment include choices in these categories: 1) 3D content creation; 2) Digital color grading; 3) Effects and finishing; 4) Middleware; 5) Workflow and media management; 6) Media mastering and encoding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Autodesk's support, services and training options are truly impressive. Look under 'Services and Support' on the Autodesk.com website for training products and centers, consulting services and product support in multiple languages.
• •  User to user discussion groups are also helpful. You'll find a full list, by product, at http://discussion.autodesk.com