January 20, 2003—SMART Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of group collaboration tools, has released Bridgit data-conferencing software version 1.0 for multi-user, reservationless data conferences. With the software, users can create a conference that all attendees can join by simply opening their client and selecting the conference by name. Alternately, those who do not already have the Bridgit client can be invited with an e-mail containing a URL that will download the client (less than 1 MB) and bring them directly to the conference. Bridgit software requires no special training.
Any number of conferences of any size can be held, limited only by the licensed number of concurrent users. The server is typically installed in a secure area outside the organization’s firewall so that both internal users and external parties may connect to it. Clients may be freely distributed and do not require installation. Passwords and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) ensure that conferences are secure and data is protected.
Other features include:
- Mark-up tools—Any participant can use the pen, highlighter, and remote pointer tools to effectively draw attention to key points on the shared desktop.
- Ad hoc connections—During the conference anyone may invite a new participant.
- Firewalls and Proxies—Bridgit software works through but does not compromise firewalls, proxy servers, and other security protection.
- SMART Board interactive whiteboard compatibility.
Bridgit software does not include an audio-conferencing component.
The software costs $1,999 per server, plus $100 per concurrent user (purchased in multiples of five). There are no usage charges.
For more information, contact SMART Technologies at 888/42SMART.
