Company History
SMART Technologies is the industry pioneer and market leader in developing collaborative products for classrooms and meeting rooms. Founded in 1987 by partners David Martin and Nancy Knowlton, SMART began as the Canadian distributor for a U.S. projector company. Revenue generated through projector sales was directed toward the research and development of the SMART Board interactive whiteboard that would enable groups to interact and instantaneously share information with people in the same room or around the world.
SMART introduced the first SMART Board interactive whiteboard in 1991. It was the first interactive whiteboard to provide touch control of computer applications and annotation over standard Microsoft Windows applications. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard, connected to an LCD panel and a computer, introduced the world to interactive technology in classrooms, group meetings and presentations. In recognition of this innovation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted three patents to Dave (which are assigned to SMART), and other patent applications on this concept are in process. As well, patents are pending around the world.
In those early years no one knew about an interactive whiteboard, much less why they might want or need one, so sales for SMART started slowly. At that time, it took a substantial effort to let people know about the product and the benefits that they could enjoy from using them. Some of the early adopters of SMART’s products were educators with a need to give lectures at a distance. Imagine the challenges inherent in doing that in the early nineties – low speed modems, early versions of Microsoft Windows software that were often unstable and slow processors with little graphics capability. However, bit by bit teachers, business people and government staff around the world came to appreciate the new way in which they could do their jobs using the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, and a new product category was officially born.
Those early years were characterized by a great deal of financial uncertainty, and at various times, SMART’s future was in serious doubt. However, with a long-term focus, a firm belief in the opportunity to forge a new way for people everywhere to work and the patience of its bankers, SMART got through the many difficulties. In the process it developed most of the key operating parameters that define the way in which SMART runs its business and serves its customers.
In 1992 SMART formed a strategic alliance with U.S. computer giant Intel Corporation. This alliance resulted in joint product development, joint marketing efforts and Intel's equity ownership in SMART. While the initial project that caused the investment to be made has long since been completed, the equity ownership in SMART remains. Other than the Intel equity investment and some small investments from family and friends, the company has relied on its retained earnings to fuel its growth.
That early relationship with Intel was another of the key building blocks in SMART’s history. The equity investment helped SMART push forward in both its hardware and software development activities. Perhaps just as importantly, SMART staff felt something akin to a “seal of approval” for all of the pioneering efforts that it had undertaken with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard and in trying to help people achieve better results in classrooms and meeting rooms.
Never content to rest on its laurels, SMART continues to develop new generations of its groundbreaking interactive technology. With the company’s future and success completely dependent on its SMART products, there is a very high degree of focus on innovation to meet customers’ needs.
From its humble beginnings to today, SMART is committed to bringing valuable solutions to its customers worldwide. When people first see our products, they’re delighted and intrigued by the “magic” that happens before their eyes. The real value, though, is in being our customer and enjoying the benefits of our products every day.