Bridgit conferencing software now compatible with Mac
Version 3.1 offers complete cross-platform web-conferencing solution
CALGARY, Alberta --- June 7, 2006 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the release of Bridgit® 3.1 conferencing software for Microsoft® Windows® and Mac OS X operating systems. The updated web-conferencing software now enables Mac and Windows users to connect with each other instantly and share information in real time. Bridgit conferencing software, like all SMART products, makes connection and collaboration easy. Students, teachers, administrators, business people and government staff around the world use Bridgit software to collaborate, increase productivity and eliminate travel time and costs.
Intuitive and secure, Bridgit 3.1 conferencing software makes web-conferencing simple, whether participants are in the same building, city or multiple locations around the world. Participants can share desktop and webcam images, talk to each other using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), take over applications on a participating user’s computer or write notes in digital ink for everyone to see. For enhanced data and video interaction, Bridgit software can also be used with SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards and Sympodium® interactive pen displays.
“Since SMART introduced Bridgit conferencing software in 2002, it has become a popular web-conferencing tool for corporate meetings, emergency response situations and distance learning,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s president and co-CEO. “With this latest release, SMART has addressed the need for a cross-platform conferencing solution, enabling both Windows and Mac users to connect with each other quickly, easily and cost effectively.”
Features and Benefits
Ease of use – Windows and Mac users can start or join a conference at any time, right from their desktops. The host simply opens Bridgit conferencing software, creates a conference, assigns a password and then invites participants. Participants receive an e-mail containing a link to the conference that they click to join.
Built-in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – VoIP technology allows high quality voice calls to be made over computer networks, eliminating the need for a separate audio-conferencing bridge.
Desktop sharing with cross-platform clients – Windows and Mac users can share desktops instantly and alternate desktop sharing. Participants can see anything on the conference host’s desktop, including spreadsheets, presentations or websites, or they can request to share their own desktop. In either case, the conference host controls who shares and when.
Multi-point webcam support – Bridgit conferencing software supports most webcams. This feature allows Windows participants to share webcam video from up to four participant sites at the same time. Mac users can view but not share video.
E-mail invitations to participants – When setting up a Bridgit conference, the host can quickly and easily click the Send Invite button to add external participants with an automatically generated e-mail invitation.
Integration with SMART Board interactive whiteboards – Participants using a SMART Board interactive whiteboard can write over shared information, and these notes will be shown in real-time on all sites in the conference.
Multi-language 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 Russian.
Password protection – Bridgit software provides additional security with a password option and 256-bit SSL encryption.
Free evaluation
A free 30-day evaluation copy of Bridgit software is available for download at www.smarttech.com/bridgit. The 30-day server evaluation provides conferencing services for up to five concurrent users.
Pricing and Availability
Bridgit 3.1 conferencing software for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems is available on a subscription basis starting at US$29.99 per concurrent user, per month. A software license can also be purchased and installed on a server for US$2,999 and allows five concurrent users. Additional concurrent users can be added for US$100 each. Version 3.1 is a free upgrade for 3.0 customers. Customers with version 2.0 and earlier have the option to buy a server upgrade to version 3.1 with VoIP for US$499. Bridgit software is available directly from SMART or an authorized reseller of SMART products. For more information, system requirements or a list of authorized resellers, visit http://www.smarttech.com/bridgit or call 1.888.42.SMART.
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For more information, contact
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
1207 – 11 Avenue SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
CANADA
Phone +1.403.802.2556
Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Pease note that SMART is written in all capital letters.