ANSYS, a global innovator of simulation software and technologies designed to optimize product development processes, today announced that it has received a prestigious award from the National Association of Investors Corporation (NAIC) for its 2003 annual report. The report was one of three named Best in Industry in the Computer Software and Services category during the 27th annual Nicholson Awards Competition hosted by NAIC, a nonprofit investment-education organization. With ratings based on financial reporting, content and design, a panel of more than 400 volunteer judges, who range from novice investor to seasoned money managers, selected ANSYS' report after evaluating hundreds from an individual investor's perspective. "The ANSYS annual report demonstrates the value and vision of ANSYS to our customers, partners, shareholders and employees," said Jim Cashman, president and CEO at ANSYS, Inc. "It's a great privilege to be recognized by NAIC for our efforts to develop both an informative and well-designed publication." The NAIC's Nicholson Awards program encourages publicly traded companies to produce concise, reader-friendly annual reports. Volunteer judges reviewed 246 annual reports. For a complete listing of 2004 Nicholson Award winners, visit www.better-investingnewsroom.org .