Description
Key Learnings
- Learn how to accelerate the success of your Autodesk Platform Services-based product—and how others have built successful solutions on top of Autodesk Platform Services.
- Learn about industry trends related to Autodesk Platform Services-based solutions, and learn how to use Autodesk Platform Services resources and tools to market and sell your product.
- Learn how to implement a short-term and long-term action plan for using the Autodesk Platform Services resources to make your product successful.
Speakers
- TGTulika GargTulika Garg Director, Product Management, Developer Enablement Tulika is the Director of Products at PSET, bringing a wealth of expertise in product management, business strategy, software development and scaling platform businesses. In her current role at Autodesk, she spearheads product management focused on Developer Productivity and the Developer Ecosystem. Throughout her career, Tulika has demonstrated innovation, having filed several patents. She holds a major in Physics, a master's degree in Computer Science, and an MBA in Strategy from the Wharton School. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tulika is deeply committed to community. She balances her career with roles as a mother, volunteer, and board member for non-profits. A dedicated mentor, she is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women, focusing on their growth, health, and empowerment.
- KHKrisztian HegedusKrisztian (Chris) leads global Developer Advocacy, aiming to enhance the advocacy, promotion, and adoption of Autodesk Platform Services (APS). He and the team support and manage a substantial ecosystem of outstanding partners and enable our most innovative customers to succeed in their digital transformation journey. With a background as a structural engineer and a business degree, Krisztian has contributed to many strategic projects during his 19-year tenure at Autodesk. His work has driven global business growth and accelerated customer satisfaction.
TULIKA GARG: Hello, team. Welcome to our class, Kickstart Your Business with APS. I'm Tulika Garg, Director of Products for Developer Enablement here at Autodesk. My team leads the roadmap and strategy for Autodesk Platform Services. And for this presentation, I'm joined by my colleague, Krisztian Hegedus. And I will let Krisztian introduce himself.
KRISZTIAN HEGEDUS: Thank you, Tulika. Krisztian Hegedus is my name. I'm based in Munich, Germany, and leading the developer advocacy team. Thank you.
TULIKA GARG: Thank you, Krisztian. In this class, we will take you through an overview of APS. You must have heard about APS, or Autodesk Platform Services, on mainstage or in other sessions. Whether you are a developer working for an IT or development team for an Autodesk customer, or you are an independent software vendor or Autodesk partner looking to leverage APS to grow and expand your business, there is something for all of you in this session.
We will give you a deep dive into what APS includes, what you can do and build with APS, and what outcomes can APS help you achieve. And if you want to commercialize the application built on top of APS, we will share with you what resources and help is available for you. And then we will end with sharing resources on how you can moonshot with us. Let us get started.
Let us start with an APS overview and how to get started with the APS. By now, you all have heard this on Main Stage and many presentations to connect your design and make data and help you achieve your digital transformation goals. Autodesk has introduced the Autodesk platform.
The base of this platform, Autodesk Platform Services, consists of a collection of cloud based APIs that serve as the foundation of our industry cloud's fusion format and flow and the Autodesk data model. APS is not only the foundation of the Autodesk platform, but it is also trusted and used by thousands of our customers and partners to build their own solutions.
So what is APS, essentially? It is a platform which provides you a number of APIs, web services, and SDKs which allow you to access the data in Autodesk products, automate workflows, and connect your Autodesk Product portfolio with other products.
By giving you access to the same APIs and web services that we are building our design make platform on, we are giving you the key to manage, organize, and connect your enterprise data from our platform, Autodesk products, and third party solutions.
We support over 75 formats, and we are committed to supporting bidirectional interoperability and open industry workflows. Our constantly evolving API landscape can be grouped into three broad categories. The first one is called APIs that can be used agnostic to industry. They include the viewer, model derivative, authentication, and design automation, which you can use to build custom standalone solutions like dashboards and digital twins.
Second category is the data APIs. These are such as data exchange and data model APIs which let you connect, integrate, surface, your design and make data with customized data connectors. And then the third category is the product APIs that let you extend the capabilities of our cloud products by connecting them to your enterprise systems. The APIs are flexible, and that can be leveraged by developers of all skill levels in multiple programming languages, illustrated at the bottom of this slide.
APS ecosystem has been growing significantly year over year. Today, we have over 4,400 commercial applications in our App Store, and those applications see over 100,000 downloads every month. In the last year alone, we saw over 9 billion API calls made to APS, and we enabled over 7,000 developers in using and building APS, building with APS APIs and solutions.
So while those numbers are impressive, what are users building with APS? I'll show you an example here. Staticus is one of the largest facade constructors in Northern Europe. They wanted a pre-built solution that links model data with their business data. So they turned to b logic, who created a solution called VCAD. It is an integration that connects BIM to Microsoft's Power BI.
VCAD centralizes model, business, and project management data in the cloud using Model Derivative and data management APIs. Here, users can view construction model alongside Power BI reports, which include ERP data. And using the viewer API, they can see a visualization aspect of it, as well.
With data in a single location, users can mark up the model to report progress to the contractors and other stakeholders using the visualization extension. And how does it help them? Without the need for BIM expertise, users are able to search for specific data filtering by door, date, dimensions, or other parameters. They are able to view facade elements which are either still in design or production phase and see what is being delivered to site or what is still awaiting install.
Essentially, by doing all this, these dashboards are increasing trust with greater visibility, generating more confidence from general contractors. It creates a more efficient and consistent collaboration between teams, saving time and money.
Sharing some more examples with you. CadShare uses Model Derivative API and Viewer to develop digital catalogs for ordering spare parts and repairing large expensive equipment. Their part ordering capabilities can reduce errors in ordering by over 90% and took end-to-end ordering workflow time from seven days to seven minutes.
Golbeck is another example. They are driving estimation through design automation and connecting to enterprise through Model Derivative. They are leveraging AC data model to develop AI and natural language based interfaces to query their models. With AI based prompts powered by ChatGPT, they can run dynamic ad hoc queries, enabling users to find and access and consume models in a very new and intuitive way, for example, show me the CO2 footprint of all windows.
The interactive data visualization via viewer and data model kind of capabilities allows them to provide relevant data to different project stakeholders throughout the project life cycle. And I'll give one more example from Imagine It. Imagine It recently worked to help advanced drainage systems extend its designing and engineering workflows to customers.
What ADS does is ADS engineers and manufacturers underground stormwater system, helping developers comply with regulations without using valuable land for drainage ponds. With help from Imagine It, ADS developed an online tool that supports civil engineers interested in including an ADS stormwater underground chamber system on projects.
Now, the civil engineers go online. They configure a drawing with a simple CAD-like tool. And then using APS APIs, this system automatically generates a design package in Painter 3D CAD software. Each package includes an overlay of the custom drainage system, a bill of materials, detail and dimension drawings, and an inventor model. ADS engineers use this tool internally to speed their own work and ensure that their designs meet company standards.
So just like Staticus, Aecom, Goldbeck, thousands of customers continue to use APS enabled applications today. Customers are building dashboards, integrations with ERP and CRM configurators, digital twins, all helping them drive their business outcomes and saving them time and money.
Now, some of you may be thinking, this is great, but do I need an army of in-house developers to build all these great examples? The answer is, you don't. We are here to help you. You can reach out to our network of almost 70 certified partners who have over eight years of experience building these type of solutions with APS.
These companies have gone through a rigorous process to meet our requirements and have been vetted and approved by our team here at Autodesk. They stay up to date with the latest technology and expand their skills at our developer events and through our programs.
So I hope all these examples have created a lot of excitement and interest and you all are looking at how you can get started with APS. So I will hand it over to my colleague, Krisztian Hegedus, to give you a deep dive into the ecosystem opportunities specific to construction industry and also to tell you how you can get started with APS. Krisztian, over to you.
KRISZTIAN HEGEDUS: Thank you very much. It's really amazing to see this vibrant ecosystem what you shared with us. So first, I would like to demystify this ACC acronym and show you the opportunity to build bespoke solutions for the construction industry.
ACC stands for Autodesk Construction Cloud, or cloud native solution for the construction industry. We see a major momentum with Autodesk Construction Cloud. We have more than three million total active projects in the cloud, and this is a hotspot for developers.
Three times more projects are using integrations compared to a year ago. It confirms that the construction industry demands custom workflows, and our developer partners built many relevant integrations.
So taking just one example, the ESRI integration allows teams to seamlessly incorporate construction projects data into maps, enhancing data visualization, analysis, and collaboration in both 2D and 3D environments. The best decisions are made when all the information is available and accessible. The Autodesk Construction Cloud connects stakeholders, providing a unified source of truth.
API first approach is enabling an open ecosystem. You remember, Tulika was showing the most popular APS use cases. Enterprise integration with the ACC was one of these. It's a major opportunity to integrate with the Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Our construction integration partners built over 400 integrations already. This means that our web APIs are robust, reliable, and powerful. It represents a valuable opinion option for you to consider.
There are many ways you can integrate with Autodesk Construction Cloud. We encourage you to use a blend of several web APIs. Matterport is a great example that uses different types of integrations.
Customers can import point clouds and BIM models from Matterport into ACC. They can embed digital twins in ACC and create issues or error files in ACC with contacts from Matterport. With this approach, Matterport has been able to create an integration that is very robust, and, more importantly, widely adopted among our customers.
So if you are looking to build innovative web applications or custom integrations, we provide the business, engineering, and marketing expertise you need to succeed. An APS account is essential for all fullstack developers developing solutions on the Autodesk platform.
It grants you access to all our web APIs introduced earlier by Tulika, and ensures dedicated support, along with opportunities to explore early access offerings. As a member, you will receive branded materials and invitations to our virtual and physical events. The APS program is free to join. Upon registration, you will enjoy a 90 days of full access to all free and premium APIs, and it gives you enough time to test and develop your solution.
After 90 days, most of the APIs remain free, but the pay per use model applies for the premium APIs. So let's see how to start a developer journey with Autodesk Platform Services. Signing up is quick and it takes less than a minute at APS.autodesk.com
Once you have access to our web APIs, you can copy a code from our code samples. And you can use our easy to follow tutorials at TUTORIALS.autodesk.io. On average, you can build and launch your first app on the Autodesk platform under a week.
Are you looking to build integrations with your desktop software like AutoCAD, Revit, or Inventor? Access to the Autodesk Developer Network has everything what you need. The Autodesk Developer Network is a must have for all software developers.
This program helps you as a professional software developer to develop and market high quality solutions based on Autodesk products and technologies. It provides you access to Autodesk software, which licenses for development use and serves other benefits, such as the API support, early access to tools and news, marketing assets, and events.
We charge an annual fee based on the number of your developers, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000. Membership not only grants access to all our products, but also to marketing and brand resources, such as the Autodesk authorized developer logo.
So let's see how to start a developer journey with Autodesk Developer Network. We have a more formal process here because we grant access to all our software products for developers.
So as a first step, submit your application at autodesk.com/joinADN. It will be reviewed and approved for all eligible developers. With that, you can build your first app for AutoCAD, for Revit, for Inventor, or for any other desktop software or portfolio. APS and ADN are essential programs for developers like you to build bespoke solutions.
But we do not stop here. We also support your go to market efforts with a robust marketplace publishing your solutions. Tulika, what are the benefits of using the Autodesk App Store?
TULIKA GARG: Thank you, Krisztian. I love your simple guide on how to get started with APS and ADN. Like Krisztian said, I will now take you through the opportunities you have with Autodesk App Store to market and deliver your commercial application to your customers.
App Store has apps for everyone, whether it's an architect in an enterprise company or an admin in a non-profit organization. App Store is a great platform for you to reach Autodesk broad customer base. The numbers speak for themselves.
Today, over 1,000 publishers are using App Store to distribute over 4,000 applications. These applications span over 10 industries and we see over 100,000 unique downloads every month. An App Store is not only a platform for you to deliver your solutions to your customers. It allows you to accelerate business growth through actionable customer insights, such as usage analytics and reviews.
How does it do that? Let us take a look. Utilizing the App Store acts as a powerful marketing engine for your application. With features like the integrated Contact Me form, you can easily connect with potential clients, creating direct lead generation opportunities. This allows customers to reach out for tailored custom projects, helping you expand your business and generate additional revenue streams through personalized solutions.
Additionally, being part of this marketplace enhances your visibility and credibility within the ecosystem, positioning your offerings alongside other trusted solutions. By tapping into this App Store and established customer base, you can accelerate your market reach and scale your business more efficiently.
Through the App Store, you also gain access to valuable insights that help you understand and optimize your solution. With live data on downloads, ratings, and trends, you can continuously monitor how your app is performing in the market. The single unified dashboard provides a comprehensive view of all your apps, allowing you to make informed decisions about future updates and improvements.
You can track total revenue for your apps, alongside changes in downloads and sales trends over time. This can help you gauge the impact of new versions or updates, ensuring you stay ahead of user expectations and market demands.
Those are some great ways for you to accelerate your business via App Store. But how do you maximize the benefits of App Store? Remember, on average, a user spends only three minutes browsing through apps. So it's crucial to make the most of this brief window. Let's look at what the top 10 apps have in common and how you can apply these principles to your app.
First, craft a compelling app description. Be clear, concise, and engaging, highlighting your app's key features and benefits right up front. Users should quickly understand why your app is valuable.
Second, focus on visual assets. Design an eye catching app icon and include high quality screenshots that showcase your app's interface and core functionality. These visuals help users grasp very quickly what your app offers. Next, encourage positive reviews and ratings. These play a huge role in influencing new users to download your app, engage with user feedback, address concerns, and show that you're committed to improving your app.
Fourth one, regular updates are also key to keeping users engaged. By providing consistent updates, you demonstrate a commitment to user satisfaction and ensure that your app stays competitive in a constantly evolving market. And then last but not the least, conduct competitive analysis.
Study what successful apps in your niche are doing. Understand their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify ways to differentiate and enhance your app's unique value.
And I will leave you with one last thought on App Store. Here are some end case responses that highlight some of the best practices we just covered. As you can see, a well-designed, built, and maintained app can drive a lot of positive ratings reviews, and can make an excellent impact in people's lives. An app which is not published well, has missing information, and is not supported well drives down the experience and trust.
Now that we have covered what is APS, how you can get started with the APS, and how you can reach a wide customer base with App Store, I would like to invite back Krisztian to speak with you all and how you can moonshot with us. Back to you, Krisztian.
KRISZTIAN HEGEDUS: Tulika, thank you. So publishing on App Store is really a competitive edge. Our App Store is one of the largest business to business marketplace. So we cover the programs available for you to build and publish your solutions.
Now, let's focus on two important topics. First, how we can help you shorten your development cycle and speed up your go to market, and how can we assist you in scaling your success. We have a global developer advocacy team. Or team helps you with business development and help you solving your engineering challenges.
First of all, you should know that we have real people with real skills and a lot of real experiences. Our goal is to make you, your solutions, and your business a great success. So moonshot with us if you want to be faster and achieve more. Let us know your needs and collaborate with us on your project.
In the Autodesk developer journey, we support you through three major stages-- exploring what's possible, building the solution and addressing the pain points of millions of users, and scaling your reach and success. We offer a variety of tailored content, sessions, and hackathons for you across these stages.
As you are interested in exploring Autodesk Platform Services, you should consider the following options. We offer a tailored business and engineering path, and we have solid offerings for executives. APS Tuesdays is a weekly webinar introducing the business benefits of APS.
As the name is saying, we have it each and every week on Tuesdays. Do not wait. Join in next week. Do you want to deep drive? Schedule a one to one call with our business expert and one of our experienced engineers. Do you have a technical question, or want to learn about upcoming Autodesk features? Take a coffee break and join us at our next engineering session.
Defcon is the largest developer conference for developer community. This year, we hosted over 1,000 developers globally. Join us at one of our conferences in the United States, in Europe, or Asia. It's all about learning, exchanging ideas, and having fun. Attend the next one near to you.
In the building phase, we help you develop the best solution. Earlier, I showed you how to access our cloud services and desktop software. It's essential for all of you to join these two programs. We provide technical support, including tutorials, code samples, and SDKs.
These resources help you quickly build your first solution. We offer a four day online training every quarter, and the next one is just around the corner. For engineers, with working prototype, our best offering is the APS Accelerator. This
Is a five day in-person hackathon designed to propel your APS project to new heights. Register once you have a proof of concept and our engineers will help you optimize and extend it. Once your solution is complete, it's all about reaching your audience and scaling up to demonstrate the best practices with our marketplace to reach millions of Autodesk customers.
In addition, Autodesk offers multiple industry specific programs to advocate for your solutions. You need to reach a certain maturity level to participate in these programs, but these will accelerate your reach. The APS certified program provides visibility and recognition, helping you to scale your business.
We also offer a unique opportunity for developers to earn trust and gain visibility by building co-branded stories and speaking at our flagship events. Many of our developer partners speak at AU, at DEFCON, at industry events around the globe. Let me and my team know if you are interested.
You see that we have a variety of activities. As I told you, moonshot with us. So let me highlight two of our offerings. One is the upcoming APS online training 101, this four day virtual developer training with our engineering experts. The upcoming online training is held November 18 to 21 and will cover best practices enabling the Autodesk viewer in your solution, implementing browsers, dashboards, and design automation.
The other offering I would like to highlight is the upcoming accelerator. The five day in-person hackathon with our engineering experts will help you to optimize code, resolve challenges, and extend workflows.
Our next events are in Taipei, Prague, and in Atlanta between December 9 and 13. The registration is open for all of these accelerators. So scan these QR codes to attend a four day APS online training, or attend the five days in-person accelerator in Atlanta.
Both are free of charge events. These are the best offerings to moonshot your APS project. And here is my final tip. If your business relies on Autodesk or its customers, it's critical for you to make the right personal connections. So engage with Autodesk first and industry leaders, giving them a reason to invest time in understanding your business.
In every interaction and marketing effort, aimed to deliver value, not just information. Understand their priorities and show how you can help them achieve their goals. This is a win-win opportunity. I highly recommend dedicating time and effort to collaborate with us.
So Tulika, I believe our session is already packed with actions, but I'm sure you have even more insightful recommendations for developers.
TULIKA GARG: Thank you, Krisztian, yes. I do have some call to actions. And here we go. I would invite you all to stay connected with us via our monthly APS newsletter. Please go ahead and scan this QR code, which will take you to the signup page for APS newsletter. With the APS newsletter, you will stay updated with the latest product announcements, will be able to access sample codes to help with your projects, and get notified about upcoming events tailored for you. It is the best way to stay in the loop with everything happening on the Autodesk Platform Services.
And as we wrap up, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please complete the session survey in the AU app and let us know what you like or how we can improve. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. And don't forget to stop by the Autodesk Platform Services zone in Expo Hall to meet our APS experts. It's a great chance to continue the conversation and dive deeper into any questions you may have. Thank you all for joining us today.