Smart Whiteboard Software Gets Annual License, Supports Third-Party IWBs
Smart Technologies interactive whiteboard suite, Smart Notebook, is getting new licensing terms, including site licenses and an annual maintenance plan. The cost of a classroom license is also being lowered.
According to the company, Smart Notebook software will be available to teachers regardless of the brand of interactive whiteboard they use.
Smart Notebook is a standards-aligned collaborative learning tool that operates in conjunction with interactive whiteboards. It provides access to curricular resources — Flash objects, videos, images, and other elements — and tools like an object animator, shape recognizer, and recorder.
The company is also adding site licenses to it licensing program and decreasing the cost of classroom licenses (known previously as Smart Notebook Collaborative licenses).
Smart is also introducing an annual subscription maintenance plan. Called Notebook Advantage, the plan will provide access to updates and technical support. According to Smart, all of the company's hardware will include a one-year Notebook Advantage subscription, after which customers "can renew annually, or pre-purchase subscriptions for up to five years." As for those who have already purchased Smart hardware, the will receive a subscription that will be valid "one year from the date of your hardware purchase, or April 1, 2014, whichever date comes later." After that, a renewal will be required.
Updated support for third-party hardware will be available Oct. 1. Updated site and classroom licensing will be available Nov. 1. Notebook Advantage will be available April 1, 2014.
Complete information and a FAQ can be found on Smart's site.
Update (Sept. 25): In related news, Smart and Epson announced an agreement that will allow Epson to distribute Smart Notebook with Epson BrightLink interactive projectors for new and existing customers. Epson will distribute Smart Notebook software through its reseller network. The deal marks the first time Smart has licensed its software to a third-party hardware maker.
Customer support will be provided by both companies.