Promethean To Launch Platform-Neutral Interactive Whiteboard Software

• By David Nagel
• 01/14/09

Ed tech developer Promethean said it will release a new interactive whiteboard software suite that's designed to work with any whiteboard brand and on multiple platforms, including Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. The software, called Activsoftware Inspire Edition, will debut next week at the 2009 FETC convention in Orlando, FL.

Activsoftware Inspire Edition combines Promethean's Activprimary and Activstudio suites and is designed to integrate with Activclassroom technologies, including Activote and Activexpression Learner Response Systems, according to the company. Some of the other features include:

• Option to upgrade for dual-input mode;
• Support for UI customization;
• Pre-packages media, including flipcharts, backgrounds, images, shapes and activities, available via Promethean Planet; and
• Support for integration with external media and software, including PowerPoint.

Promethean said Activsoftware Inspire Edition will be available in March. It will come in Personal and Professional editions. The professional edition will run $99 for new users but will be a free upgrade for existing customers or for new customers purchasing Activboards or Promethean Learner Response Systems. The Personal edition will be free for all. Both versions will support whiteboards from a variety of manufacturers and will run on Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. Further information can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).