SMART kapp Continues to Gain Momentum Throughout Europe and North America
- Large 84" version of revolutionary digital capture board begins shipping
- New distributor agreements with Tech Data Maverick and Ingram Micro extend kapp® availability in Europe
CALGARY, May 13, 2015 /CNW/ - SMART Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SMT) (TSX: SMA), a leading provider of collaboration solutions, announces that the new 84" version of the SMART kapp digital capture board is now shipping. Like the original 42" version, SMART kapp 84 is the modern replacement for outdated and outmoded dry-erase boards and flip charts. As easy to use as a traditional whiteboard, kapp 84 provides the ability to share and save work in real time, on any device, with anyone, anywhere in the world. The larger version of kapp is the ideal tool when you need more space than a kapp 42 provides – making the power of SMART kapp available in more meeting areas such as huddle spaces, boardrooms, lecture halls, classrooms, hotel meeting facilities and much more.
As with the original SMART kapp, the 84" version requires no IT integration or the need to connect to a corporate network. Simply plug it in and start writing for a magical, collaborative experience. The kapp 84 display is relatively lightweight and easily mountable on a wall. This larger version also allows two people to use the board simultaneously and the SMART kapp app supports landscape views to accommodate the 84" board.
The availability of kapp 84 comes as SMART adds two significant distribution partners in Europe. Tech Data (TD) Maverick, the specialist audio visual division of Tech Data (NASDAQ: TECD) is now a master distributor for SMART kapp in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. In the IT distribution business for more than 40 years, Tech Data had nearly 27 billion dollars in sales in fiscal 2014 – working with more than 115,000 resellers worldwide. Additionally, an agreement making Ingram Micro (NYSE: IM) a master distributor will make kapp available in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Ingram Micro, already a SMART kapp distributor in North America, had revenues of 46 billion dollars in 2014 and has more than 120 distribution centers worldwide.
"As one of the world's largest distributors of IT products and services, Tech Data is thrilled to make SMART kapp available in many more European countries," says Jon Sidwick, vice president Europe, TD Maverick. "It is truly a revolutionary device that can transform meetings and increase collaboration."
"Ingram Micro has a long history of bringing new, state-of-the-art business-relevant technology solutions to market," says Sabine Howest, executive director, strategic partner relations and business intelligence, technology solutions, Europe, Ingram Micro. "We are pleased to play such an integral role in the European go-to-market strategy for SMART kapp digital capture board. With collaboration technologies in strong demand, kapp represents an exciting and growing market opportunity for our channel partners."
"This is a great day for SMART kapp," says Scott Brown, president, kapp Solutions, SMART Technologies. "Both sizes of SMART kapp are now available and we have added two of the world's strongest distribution partners in TD Maverick and Ingram Micro. SMART kapp is resonating in a wide variety of vertical markets including enterprise, education, architecture and engineering. Our European distribution model will ensure we can satisfy customer demand on the continent. We continue to develop the kapp solution and expect to make more exciting announcements in the days ahead."
Pricing and Availability
SMART kapp 84 is now available for purchase at an MSRP of $1,199 in the U.S. Prices in other countries will vary with taxes, customs and import duties. For more information please contact an authorized SMART kapp dealer.
About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of technology solutions that are redefining the way the world works and learns. SMART products enable inspired collaboration in schools and workplaces by turning group work into highly interactive, engaging and productive experiences. SMART delivers integrated solutions of hardware, software and services designed for superior performance and ease of use.
About Tech Data
Tech Data Corporation is one of the world's largest distributors of IT products and services. Every day, IT resellers around the world depend on Tech Data to help cost-effectively support the technology needs of end users of all sizes, including small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB), large enterprises, educational institutions, government agencies, and consumers. The company plays a strategic role in getting technology products and services from its vendor partners to those who bring technology to life. More at www.techdata.com
About Ingram Micro Inc.
Ingram Micro helps businesses Realize the Promise of Technology™. It delivers a full spectrum of global technology and supply chain services to businesses around the world. Deep expertise in technology solutions, mobility, cloud, and supply chain solutions enables its business partners to operate efficiently and successfully in the markets they serve. Unrivaled agility, deep market insights and the trust and dependability that come from decades of proven relationships, set Ingram Micro apart and ahead. More at www.ingrammicro.com
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SOURCE SMART Technologies Inc.
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