SMART Technologies Inc. Joins Forces With Polycom®, Inc. for Enhanced Data Collaboration
SMART Board
software works seamlessly with Polycom's iPower video communications systems to deliver state-of-the-art data conferencing
Las Vegas, NV --- June 11, 2002 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the enhanced compatibility of SMART Board software with Polycom's industry-leading iPower PC-based video communications solution. Using a pen from the SMART Pen Tray, participants at any conference site can write over top of computer applications, and those annotations will be viewed at all other sites, ensuring effortless data conferencing.
This improved software functionality is the result of a cooperative effort between SMART and Polycom to develop seamless integration between the two products. Now, each location equipped with a SMART Board interactive whiteboard and an iPower video communications system can view and edit applications and whiteboarding notes simultaneously, creating a team-oriented environment that enhances collaboration.
"For many companies, government agencies and educational institutions, video and data collaboration over distances is becoming an integral part of the way they operate," says Nancy Knowlton, president and COO of SMART Technologies Inc. "Organizations using a SMART Board interactive whiteboard and an iPower video communications system together can be assured that their remote meetings focus on content, not on the technology."
"With its iPower product line, Polycom offers its customers the industry's most advanced PC-based solution for simultaneous face-to-face communications and real-time data sharing and collaboration," says Geno Alissi, vice president and general manager of video communications for Polycom. "Working with SMART was a natural fit. Interoperability with its advanced whiteboard solutions gives iPower users another way to maximize the effectiveness of their data collaboration."
SMART Board Software Features
SMART Board software powers the family of SMART Board interactive whiteboards – SMART Board, Rear Projection SMART Board and SMART Board for Plasma Displays. The software enables users to control computer applications simply by pressing on the interactive whiteboard's touch-sensitive surface. When a pen is selected from the SMART Pen Tray, a user can write over top of any application using either his finger or a stylus – no special tools are required. Users can save and edit these notes and distribute them in a variety of file formats.
SMART Board software for the Microsoft
Windows operating system includes SMART Board driver 7.1 and SMART Notebook 2.5 software. It features support for Polycom's iPower video communications systems, SMART Video Player, expanded interaction with Microsoft Word and Excel applications, and the ability to create templates in SMART Notebook software.
iPower Video Communications Systems
Polycom and Intel developed the award-winning iPower architecture, a next-generation integrated collaboration platform that combines the PC, videoconferencing and the Internet to give users as much power and flexibility to share information in a meeting with remote sites as most users enjoy in a meeting at one location. Full-resolution slides and PC information is provided at all sites with the touch of a button. Complete, full-resolution interaction with the user's LAN or the Internet is a built-in feature.
Software Upgrade Availability
SMART Board software for the Windows operating system is available as a free download to SMART customers at www.smarttech.com/support/software. iPower version 4.02 and higher is compatible with SMART Board interactive whiteboards.
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality, easy-to-use and affordable voice and video communication endpoints, video management software, Web collaboration software, multi-network gateways and multi-point conferencing and network access solutions. Its fully integrated end-to-end solution, The Polycom Office, is supported by the Polycom Accelerated Communications Architecture and enables business users to immediately realize the benefits of integrated video, voice data and Web collaboration over rapidly growing converged networks. For additional information, call 1.800.POLYCOM (765.9266) or +1.408.526.9000, or visit www.polycom.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.