CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 24, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SMART Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: SMT ) (TSX: SMA ), a leading provider of collaboration solutions, announces a number of developments allowing for greater access to SMART Notebook™ collaborative learning software . The changes include new licensing options allowing educators greater access to the world's leading collaborative learning software - regardless of the brand of interactive hardware they use, and the introduction of Notebook Advantage, an annual maintenance and upgrade program. These new options offer expanded opportunities for teachers and administrators to use existing products and infrastructure in ways that provide exceptional collaborative learning experiences for students.
SMART is introducing site licenses and a lower cost structure to make it easier for educators to have access to SMART Notebook software. The latest version of SMART Notebook software has been downloaded nearly 3.5 million times and with the introduction of site licenses, schools and districts can standardize on using the software in every classroom. SMART Notebook software site licenses enable teachers and administrators to use the software with any brand of existing interactive technology for increased flexibility in education technology purchases. The site licenses will be available January 15, 2014. For more information, visit smarttech.com/advantage .
SMART Notebook software classroom licenses (formerly SMART Notebook Collaborative licenses) will now be available at a lower cost. The new licenses enable classrooms with third-party hardware to easily standardize on SMART Notebook software. The new pricing will commence on November 1, 2013.
"We are making it easier for more schools and districts to standardize on SMART Notebook software, helping educators to transform classrooms with visual, interactive lessons that inspire students to actively engage in their learning," says Greg Estell, President, Education for SMART Technologies. "The introduction of Notebook Advantage ensures that everyone is using the latest version of SMART Notebook software, with full access to educational resources and technical support."
With Notebook Advantage, schools and districts will have access to a comprehensive suite of plug-ins, widgets, learning content and subject-specific add-ons while using the latest version of SMART Notebook software. Educators also have access to the SMART Exchange™ online education community where over one million educators connect, share and download high-quality digital resources. SMART Notebook software is designed to increase creativity, interactivity and collaboration in multiple teaching and learning environments. With the Notebook Advantage software maintenance plan, schools and districts have annual access to software upgrades, add-ons and technical support. The subscription program will be available on April 1, 2014. For more information, visit smarttech.com/advantage .
SMART is now enabling select third-party interactive hardware manufacturers to offer SMART Notebook software to new and existing customers. Both SMART and the third-party manufacturers will continue to provide customer support for their respective products, giving educators confidence as they bring more interactivity into learning spaces. This program provides schools and districts with more options in their choice of interactive hardware, while making it easier to standardize on SMART Notebook software. The licensing program between SMART and third-party manufacturers will begin October 1, 2013.
About SMART Technologies
SMART Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of technology solutions that enable inspired collaboration in schools and workplaces around the world by turning group work into a highly interactive, engaging and productive experience. SMART delivers integrated solutions of hardware, software and services designed for superior performance and ease of use, and remains a world leader in interactive displays.
Reader's advisory
Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information or statements. In particular and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the accessibility to and standardization of SMART Notebook software and availability and program start dates, By their very nature, forward-looking information and statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information and statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking information or statements. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking information or statements. Any forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
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Marina Geronazzo Senior Public Relations Manager SMART Technologies Inc. +1.403.407.5088 smarttech.com
