Memory Management in C: Intel Threading Tools help Autodesk optimize its Maya digital software. Find out more in this case study.

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Introduction

Intel ® Threading Tools help Autodesk optimize its Maya* digital software. Find out more in this case study.

by Geoff Koch, Intel Corp.

Times are good for Toronto-based Autodesk. Maya* software, the company’s flagship product, dominates the digital content creation (DCC) market for 3D modeling, animation, effects and rendering. Maya-wielding artists create stunning images across industries, from digital publishing and design visualization to broadcasting and game development.

And don't forget feature films. Despite its understated Canadian roots, Autodesk tools have helped build visual effects in some of the most ostentatious Hollywood blockbusters in recent memory, including the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the "Star Wars*" prequels.

But for Autodesk and other DCC companies, the digital media bar only gets higher. Photorealistic images and the suspension of disbelief are becoming hard and fast expectations for filmgoers and gamers. Building and rendering these ever more detailed images remains one of the ultimate cycle-suckers in all of computing.

" Leading studios rely on Maya software to deliver state-of-the-art results every day, and productivity is a huge factor for them," said Autodesk engineer, Martin Watt. "Whether it's something that improves the interactive drawing rate or something that reduces the time taken to render thousands of frames, anything we can possibly provide is key."