Smart Technologies facts for kids
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|
| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Computer technology Computer software |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | David Martin Nancy Knowlton |
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Area served
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Worldwide |
|
Key people
|
Nicholas Svensson (CEO) |
| Products | Interactive whiteboards |
| Revenue | US$492.9 million (FY2015) |
| US$24.1 million (FY2015) | |
|
Number of employees
|
795 |
| Parent | Foxconn |
SMART Technologies (also known as "SMART") is a Canadian company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is owned by Foxconn. SMART is famous for creating interactive whiteboards, which are often called "SMART Boards." These boards are very popular in schools and businesses around the world.
How SMART Technologies Started
SMART Technologies was started in 1987 by a husband and wife team, David Martin and Nancy Knowlton.
In 1991, SMART introduced its first interactive whiteboard, which they named the "SMART Board." This was a big step forward for classrooms and meeting rooms.
In 2003, SMART developed a special technology called DViT (Digital Vision Touch). This made the SMART Board even better and easier to use.
The SMART Board's Success
By 2011, SMART Boards were very popular. They were the top interactive whiteboards in many places. They had 63% of the market in the United States and 47% worldwide. This means that almost half of all interactive whiteboards used globally were SMART Boards!
At that time, SMART employed about 1,700 people who helped create and sell these amazing products.
New Ownership
In April 2012, the original founders, David Martin and Nancy Knowlton, decided to step down from their leadership roles.
Later, in 2016, SMART Technologies Inc. was bought by a large company called Foxconn. Foxconn paid $200 million to own SMART Technologies.
