Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


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.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • In Data Center Office Male IT Analyst Watches Screens Fill With Virus and Malware Warnings

    Global Ransomware Attacks Rise 23% in Q3

    Global ransomware activity increased 23% in the third quarter of 2026, with organizations in North America and Europe accounting for the largest proportion of attacks, according to cybersecurity firm NCC Group.

  • business person holding paper chain of people in his hands

    Want to Close the Skills Gap? Bring Learning Closer to Work

    If the jobs of the future require different skills, creating those jobs is only half the equation. We also need realistic pathways for people to reach them.

  • cloud infrastructure diagrams and security alerts

    Microsoft Intros New Protections and Controls for Sovereign Cloud

    Microsoft is expanding its sovereign cloud offerings with new tools designed to give organizations tighter control over where their data resides, who can access it, and how critical systems operate, especially in light of AI becoming a bigger part of enterprise infrastructure.

  • Blurred silhouettes of business people in a modern office with a glowing blue network overlay

    Open Secure AI Alliance Moves to Linux Foundation

    The Open Secure AI Alliance has moved under the Linux Foundation, giving the initiative what the organizations describe as a neutral home for developing open source tools, shared standards and defensive practices. The Alliance was launched by NVIDIA in July to develop open security technologies for AI systems and agents.