Massachusetts Fire Chiefs choose SMART for emergency response solution3 April 2005
SMART Technologies Inc. announces the installation of SympodiumTM ID250 interactive pen displays, BridgitTM conferencing software and a SMART BoardTM for Flat-Panel Displays interactive whiteboard in a mobile emergency response system for the state of Massachusetts. The system consists of a converted recreational vehicle that operates as a mobile command center, called the incident support unit, and six portable field communications units. The field units combine a laptop, video equipment and the Sympodium ID250 interactive whiteboard in one compact, ruggedized case. The field units were designed by Audio Video Design in Newton, Massachusetts, who also equipped them with Bridgit conferencing software to communicate over a long-distance wireless network. Using Bridgit software, emergency response officials can share any desktop image not only with each other, but also with the interactive whiteboard in the incident support unit.
The field communication units were put into service yesterday by Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety, Edward A. Flynn, who endorsed a strategy developed by the Fire Chiefs' Association of Massachusetts and approved their request for Homeland Security Grant funds. Massachusetts Department of Fire Services staff will control the field communication units through the ID250 and share their desktops with any other computer on the wireless network. Multiple locations will be able to share visual information with key decision makers as they write notes in digital ink to highlight information on maps, floor plans and traffic diagrams.
"To respond effectively during an emergency it is crucial for the right people to have the right information as events unfold," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's president and co-CEO. "The Fire Chiefs' Association of Massachusetts chose SMART products to add reliable, easy-to-use, real-time group collaboration to emergency response."
About Bridgit conferencing software
Bridgit conferencing software helps users connect quickly and easily to share real-time data without making reservations, installing software or uploading presentation materials in advance. Bridgit software can be purchased and installed on an organization's server or subscribed to on a monthly basis for use on servers hosted by SMART. Once installed, any number of users with an Internet connection can download the free client software to seamlessly join a conference, simply by selecting from a list of active sessions. Participants can share desktop and webcam images, take over applications on a participating user's computer or write notes in digital ink for everyone to see. When used on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, notes can be saved in Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint applications, or directly to SMART Board software. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/bridgit.
About Sympodium ID250 interactive pen displays The Sympodium ID250 interactive pen display, with its flexible design and 15" ( 38.1-cm ) display, can be placed on top of a podium, desk or table so users can face their audience while using the battery-free tethered pen to control computer applications, write over any application in digital ink and save work to a single file. The ID250 connects directly to a projector and simultaneously displays a computer image on its screen and a larger presentation screen for everyone to see. Unique pen-tool buttons make it easy for users to change pen colors or erase notes, and function buttons provide convenient access to features such as the on-screen keyboard, floating tools menu and screen capture tool. NotebookTM software, included at no additional charge, allows users to save digital notes and screen captures of other applications or websites. Presenters can adjust the tilt stand for maximum comfort and rest their hand on the screen, without interference, while using the tethered pen to interact with digital material. The ID250 features all the interactive capabilities of the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, SMART's flagship product. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/id250.
About SMART Board for Flat-Panel Displays interactive whiteboards
The SMART Board for Flat-Panel Displays interactive whiteboard attaches to a plasma display or LCD panel and transforms it into a group collaboration tool. The custom-sized overlay fastens easily and securely to the display and preserves its crisp, bright image. Simply by touching the large display, users can access and control any computer application or multimedia platform, including the Internet, CD-ROMs and DVDs. With SMART Board software, users can write over applications in digital ink and then edit, save, print or post their notes to a website for future reference. SMART Board interactive whiteboards are being used in classrooms, briefing rooms and boardrooms around the world, enabling people to collaborate effectively whether they are in the same room or in another location. Feature-rich software and intuitive functionality make the SMART Board interactive whiteboard the number one choice of educators, presenters and trainers in more than 75 countries. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/flatpanel.
For more information, contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
1207 - 11th Avenue SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
CANADA
Phone +1.403.802.3337
Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.
Source: i-Newswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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