Bridgit 2.0 Software Makes Conferencing Simpler and More Cost-Effective
Features webcam support and remote control as well as the flexibility to subscribe or own
Calgary, AB– June 9, 2004 – SMART Technologies Inc. announces Bridgit™ 2.0 conferencing software, which enables multiple users to connect easily and share real-time data without making reservations, installing software or uploading presentation materials in advance. Version 2.0 for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system delivers several new features including multi-point webcam support, remote control functionality, a simplified user interface and additional language support. A free upgrade to version 2.0 is available to current Bridgit software customers.
Starting July 2004, Bridgit software will be available by subscription. Organizations will have the option to purchase Bridgit software or subscribe to the Bridgit data-conferencing server for US$39.99 per month per concurrent user. Larger organizations benefit from the cost-effective structure of licensing and hosting the software on their own server, while smaller organizations may choose to subscribe instead. For example, a company that requires conferencing for up to five concurrent users, for meetings at a distance, presentations, briefings or distance education, could purchase a Bridgit server license at a one-time cost of US$2,499 (includes five concurrent user licenses). Alternatively, it could subscribe to a server for approximately US$200 per month.
“SMART continues to lead the way in providing feature-rich, intuitive and affordable tools for group collaboration, whether users are in the same room or at remote locations,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART Technologies Inc. “With Bridgit 2.0 software, our customers now have the flexibility to purchase or subscribe to the service in order to meet their conferencing and budget needs.”
New Features in Version 2.0
Multi-point webcam support – If a webcam is detected, a small webcam button appears in the toolbar’s dialog box to optionally view a small video window. Up to four of the sites in the conference can display webcam images at the same time.
Remote control – A presenter can take control of another participant’s desktop, an especially useful option for technical support troubleshooting or guiding students through a problem.
Intuitive user interface – The compact and convenient toolbar and menu offer easy access to the software’s most frequently used features such as Share Desktop, Send Invite, pen tools and webcam access.
Multilanguage version – Users can choose their preferred language interface. Ideal for multinational organizations, Bridgit software is available in 13 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese Traditional, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Portuguese, Norwegian, Swedish, Italian and, new to version 2.0, Russian.
About Bridgit Conferencing Software
With Bridgit software, any user can create a conference that all attendees can join by simply opening the Bridgit client and selecting the conference by name. Those who do not already have the client can be invited to join a conference with an e-mail containing a URL, whereby the client (less than one megabyte) is automatically downloaded for free and users are taken directly to the conference. Bridgit software requires no special training.
Any number of conferences of any size can be held, limited only by the licensed number of concurrent users. Bridgit software is designed to work transparently through firewalls and proxy servers, so people from different sites and organizations can work together. Clients do not require installation. Passwords and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) ensure that conferences are secure and data is protected.
Free Evaluation
Users can download a free 30-day evaluation copy of Bridgit 2.0 software at www.smarttech.com/bridgit. The 30-day server evaluation provides data-conferencing services for up to five concurrent users.
Pricing and Availability
Bridgit 2.0 software will start shipping in July 2004 at a suggested retail price is US$1,999 per server, plus US$100 per concurrent user (purchased in multiples of five). There are no usage charges. A free upgrade to version 2.0 is available to current Bridgit customers.
Starting July 2004, access to Bridgit software will also be available in North America for US$39.99 per month per concurrent user.
Bridgit software is available directly from SMART or from authorized resellers of SMART products. For more information, specifications or a list of authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com/bridgit or call 1.888.42.SMART.
###
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.