Frost & Sullivan Applauds SMART Technologies for Ushering in the Next Generation of Classrooms by Replacing Whiteboards with Innovative Interactive Flat Panels
SMART Technologies incorporates impactful technologies in its solutions to ensure its products are easy to use and custom designed for use in classrooms
MOUNTAIN VIEW, California, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on its recent analysis of the interactive flat panels (IFPs) market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes SMART Technologies with the 2016 North America Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Line Strategy Leadership. SMART Technologies' unique integrated software and hardware, purpose-built for education, is driving in-class interactivity and student engagement to new levels. Its ground-breaking, expanded line of interactive flat panels (IFP) for K-12 education, now used in millions of classrooms all over the world, was designed to facilitate natural collaboration in the classroom.
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The company offers 11 models of SMART Board® IFPs, ranging in size from 55 inches to 84 inches. The entire SMART Board IFP line comprises of commercial-grade panels for 50,000 hours of use, along with Silktouch™ technology, an accurate and responsive touch feature that easily recognizes up to ten touch points on the 4000 series and four on the 6000 series.
The SMART Board 6000 series line includes Object awareness™, which automatically detects a finger, pen, fist, or eraser; and Pen ID™, which allows two students to work independently using different colors for any joint lesson activity. All SMART 6000 series IFPs boast 4K Ultra HD resolution for best-in-class image quality. Meanwhile, SMART kapp iQ™ links the board and mobile devices of teachers and students for collaboration at multiple levels.
"The Bring Your Own Device Mega Trend will have a significant influence on education," observes Frost & Sullivan Industry Manager, Aravindh Vanchesan. "SMART Technologies is leveraging this trend with the Chrome™ Operating System integration, as well as easy integration of other devices that students may use, including tablets, smartphones, and laptops."
SMART Technologies IFPs include a license for SMART Learning Suite software, which includes SMART Notebook®, SMART lab™, SMART response® 2 and access to SMART amp™. SMART Notebook enables full-class collaboration for engaging lessons, while SMART lab gives teachers the means to quickly build game-based activities that amaze and engage students. SMART response 2 is assessment software that allows teachers to create quick and effective formative assessments. SMART amp leverages student devices and Google Apps for Education taking co-creation and collaboration to the next level.
SMART Technologies handles its distribution through specialized local and regional educational channels—developed through long-term relationships with educational departments across the globe. Importantly, all SMART Learning Suite software is included in an easy-to-purchase bundle, licensed at the teacher level for a low annual fee.
"The company's technology licensing and solutions are categorized into school, district, and teacher use—with set prices for transparency. It adds value to purchases by including the SMART Learning Suite software and additional training and community resources on its Website," noted Vanchesan. "The Tools for Teachers section includes the SMART Technologies blog on education, sample lesson plans, a forum community for questions, and training modules on SMART Technologies' products."
SMART Technologies' license renewals rates of approximately 85 percent indicate high customer loyalty. As one of the top education technology companies with more than 150 million users in 30 million classrooms, SMART Technologies takes great care to constantly update its software in line with industry standards and trends.
From inventing the interactive whiteboard in 1991 to enhancing the classroom experience, the company continues to stay ahead of the technology curve. Therefore, for its strong and naturally collaborative products for the IFP market, Frost & Sullivan presents SMART Technologies with the 2016 North American Product Line Strategy Award.
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed a comprehensive product line that caters to the breadth of the market it serves. The award recognizes the extent to which the product line meets customer base demands, the overall impact it has in terms of customer value, as well as increased market share.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
About SMART Technologies Inc.
SMART Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SMT, TSX: SMA) is a world leader in simple and intuitive solutions that enable more natural collaboration. We are an innovator in interactive touch technologies and software that inspire collaboration in both education and businesses around the globe. To learn more, visit smarttech.com.
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