Smart Technologies

History

Smart Technologies introduced the first Smart Board interactive whiteboard in 1991. It was the first interactive whiteboard to provide touch control of computer applications and annotation over standard Microsoft Windows applications. In 2003, Smart developed and later patented DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology. This camera-based touch technology for interactive whiteboards and interactive displays uses digital cameras and proprietary software and firmware to detect finger or pen contact with the screen. That contact is then interpreted as finger or pen activity.

In 1992, Smart formed a strategic alliance with Intel Corporation which resulted in joint product development and marketing efforts and Intel’s ongoing equity ownership in Smart. Smart first received ISO 9001 certification in 1998 and most recently renewed this registration in July, 2009. In 2000, Smart opened its first office outside North America in Bonn, Germany. Additional offices were opened in Washington, D.C. (2001), Tokyo (2001), New York City (2002), Chicago (2006), Shanghai (2006), Paris (2009) and Seattle (2014).

In 2009, Smart filed a patent infringement lawsuit against New Zealand-based NextWindow before acquiring the company outright in 2010.

As of fiscal year end 2010, Smart Technologies holds more than 150 issued patents with more than 600 patents pending. In 2011, Smart Technologies celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Smart Board interactive whiteboard, which coincided with the installation of the two millionth interactive whiteboard.

On July 15, 2010 Smart Technologies placed an initial public offering on the NASDAQ stock exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), raising upwards of $660 million. Later that year, several class action complaints were filed against SMART in the U.S. District Courts in New York and Illinois. Filed on behalf of the purchasers of the Class A Subordinate Voting Shares in Smart's IPO in July 2010, the complaints alleged that the company did not disclose important information prior to the IPO. A settlement was reached in March 2013.

In 2011, the Smart Technologies Headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standard certification.

As of the 2011 fiscal year end, Smart Board interactive whiteboards led the interactive whiteboard category with a 63% share in the United States, 44% share in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and 47% share globally. Interactive Displays / ICT Products Market: Quarterly Insight State of the Market Report, Quarter 4 2010, 31 March 2011.

In 2011, Smart employed about 1,700 people. On December 11, 2012, SMART Technologies announced it would begin corporate restructuring. The company proceeded to lay off 25% of its employees. The new CEO Neil Gaydon stated that it would save the company approximately $40 million, and cited competition in the market is also part of the reason for restructuring.

Hardware

The company supplies varieties of the Smart Board interactive whiteboard, Smart Board interactive flat-panel display and SMART Room System for Microsoft Lync / Skype for Business. In 2014 the SMART kapp digital capture board was released, and in 2015, the company introduced SMART kapp iQ ultra HD display.

Software

The company boasts 5 million software downloads annually. It supplies Smart Learning Suite software for use with its Smart Board and other hardware, including