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    Autodesk Deal To Buy Alias Is Finalized

    By SHOOT StaffUpdated:No Comments1298 Views

    By Carolyn Giardina

    SAN RAFAEL, Calif. --

    Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK), headquartered in San Rafael, has completed the acquisition of Toronto-headquartered Alias for cash consideration of $197 million. The deal was completed Jan. 10, less than two years after Accel-KKR, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Alias management, acquired Alias from prior owner SGI for $57.5 million in June ’04.

    Last October, Autodesk announced an agreement to acquire Alias, prompting much analysis of the potential impact on the visual effects market. Autodesk’s Media and Entertainment division (formerly named Discreet) markets 2D products such as Discreet Flame and Discreet Inferno, as well as 3D product 3ds max. Meanwhile Toronto-headquartered Alias is the developer of Maya 3D software.

    According to Autodesk, plans call for Alias’ products, technology and services to be integrated with Autodesk’s Manufacturing Solutions and Media & Entertainment divisions and Autodesk’s Consulting organization.

    Since the intended acquisition was announced, industry watchers questioned the future of Alias’ Maya and Autodesk’s 3ds max, which have overlap in the 3D market.

    Autodesk said in a released statement on the day of the acquisition that it plans to continue the development and support of Alias products and services.

    It further stated that the combined company’s research and development priority is to link Autodesk’s and Alias’ existing products, delivering increased interoperability and improved data management. In the media and entertainment industry, many customers already use products from both Autodesk and Alias. As such, they would benefit from a streamlined workflow for digital film, broadcast and game projects, the company said.

        There were limited staffing details available at press time. However, it was announced that Dave Wharry, formerly Alias VP of global sales and marketing, is now VP of sales for Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment Division. Michel Besner, formerly Alias VP of business development, emerging markets, is now leading product management for Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment division 3D products. Alias’ former global headquarters in Toronto is to serve as a key development center for Autodesk.

    Category:News



    Apple and Google Face UK Investigation Into Mobile Browser Dominance

    Saturday, November 23, 2024

    Apple and Google aren't giving consumers a genuine choice of mobile web browsers, a British watchdog said Friday in a report that recommends they face an investigation under new U.K. digital rules taking effect next year.

    The Competition and Markets Authority took aim at Apple, saying the iPhone maker's tactics hold back innovation by stopping rivals from giving users new features like faster webpage loading. Apple does this by restricting progressive web apps, which don't need to be downloaded from an app store and aren't subject to app store commissions, the report said.

    "This technology is not able to fully take off on iOS devices," the watchdog said in a provisional report on its investigation into mobile browsers that it opened after an initial study concluded that Apple and Google effectively have a chokehold on "mobile ecosystems."

    The CMA's report also found that Apple and Google manipulate the choices given to mobile phone users to make their own browsers "the clearest or easiest option."

    And it said that the a revenue-sharing deal between the two U.S. Big Tech companies "significantly reduces their financial incentives" to compete in mobile browsers on Apple's iOS operating system for iPhones.

    Both companies said they will "engage constructively" with the CMA.

    Apple said it disagreed with the findings and said it was concerned that the recommendations would undermine user privacy and security.

    Google said the openness of its Android mobile operating system "has helped to expand choice, reduce prices and democratize access to smartphones and apps" and that it's "committed to open platforms that empower consumers."

    It's the latest move by regulators on both sides of the Atlantic to crack down on the... Read More

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