Steljes gets Smart with free IWB software trial
Distributor claims the move presents resellers with an incremental revenue opportunity
Steljes Software, the software arm of distributor Steljes, has released a free 30-day trial version of its software for Smart interactive whiteboards (IWBs) to increase reseller sales of the applications.
Marc Taverner, managing director of Steljes Software, told CRN: “The software from Smart has been around for a while, but Steljes hasn’t pushed it. We were focused more on getting resellers accredited to sell the Smart boards. But we now realise that the software presents an incremental revenue opportunity for our Smart VARs, so we are really starting to push it.”
Colin Messenger, senior consultant at Decision Tree Consulting, said: “With half of all UK classrooms expected to have an IWB by the end of the year, it is crucial that IWB VARs start to offer additional products.”
One of the Smart applications available via the free download is SynchronEyes, which allows teachers to monitor student screens, control student computers, and set and mark quizzes automatically. Version 6 is now available and includes improved management to block applications or internet use at the touch of a button.
The other two products are Smart Ideas, a multi-level concept-mapping software, and Bridgit, a conferencing application that can share voice, video and data over the internet.
“The whole reason for creating Steljes Software was to focus on adding more value to the work that resellers already did,” Taverner said. “These software products provide VARs with an opportunity to revisit Smart board customers and cross-sell.
“The great thing is that VARs don’t need to invest a large amount in training staff to sell the applications. It just takes a half-day training session and then they can begin offering the 30-day trial versions to customers.”
Ian Maber, managing director of interactive technology vendor GeneeWorld, said: “We have software products that sound very similar to the Smart ones. Genee Gel is our mind-mapping tool, while Genee Sync allows teachers to send data from their computer to all of the connected machines in the suite.”