Hitachi Software in the News

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Hitachi Software Advances Functionality and Ease of Use with New StarBoard® Software Version 6.0

New StarBoard Software Release 6.0 adds new electronic inks, advanced user interface, and personal video conferencing

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, March 15, 2004 — Underscoring its commitment to provide communications professionals, with highly functional interactive communications tools that are intuitive to use and easily integrate with third-party conferencing technologies, Hitachi Software Engineering America's (HISAL) Interactive communications Group today launched Version 6.0 of its StarBoard software.

StarBoard software powers Hitachi Software's line of interactive communications devices including LCD tablets and displays, rear-screen and plasma displays and interactive whiteboard products. The newest iteration provides dozens of new features, streamlines the user interface to make it intuitive, and provides support for videoconferencing across the Web.

"StarBoard Version 6.0 provides end users with advanced features and benefits that can supercharge the impact of their presentations - yet it's hyper-intuitive and easily integrated into conferencing environments," explained Ralph Zak, Director of Hitachi Software's Interactive Communications Group. "In the world of interactive presentations, whether it's a classroom, boardroom or on the road with mobile professional, this software will help engage the viewer, add excitement to the presentation and deliver a level of professionalism previously unattainable for most non-tech personnel. At Hitachi, we are focused on making the experience of using our systems enjoyable, effortless and rewarding for the users and their audience."

Release 6.0 of StarBoard Software takes interactive presentation to a new plain. In the release are the following new capabilities:

• All functions are easily accessible with a new arrangement of pull down menus with less than three mouse clicks.
• Any function can be made one button accessible by simply dragging the menu item to the on screen toolbar.
• The number of available electronic inks has been increased from four to six - with new fill inks and 3D inks.
• Personal videoconferencing is added to StarBoard's inherent data conferencing through support of the IEEE H323 standard. Adding any web cam and microphone allows two StarBoard systems to hold videoconferencing
• Three different pen types can all be interchangeably used in giving a presentation: the standard annotation pen, the Intelli-pen which converts freehand geometric objects to drafted objects, and a new Laser-ink pen which provides temporary annotations and highlights with any ink type
• Multiple StarBoard sessions using different presentations or Windows applications can be run simultaneously
• Annotations can be made over running video or animations with web pages or PowerPoint presentations
• StarBoard sessions can move between "annotation mode" and "mouse mode" freely without losing annotations or any requirement to save data

The new StarBoard Software used with any of the StarBoard hardware devices including interactive LCDs, plasma displays or interactive whiteboards, permit presenters to operate and annotate any Windows-based computer application from the pen-driven StarBoard system. The annotated images may be simultaneously displayed on rear projection or plasma displays, or any size traditional screens using LCD projectors. The systems are ideal for meeting rooms, classroom and auditorium podiums, and mobile presentations when used in conjunction with laptop computers. When used on a desktop with web cam and microphone, the system is ideal for interactive personal videoconferences using the new videoconference features in StarBoard Software, Release 6.0.

The annotated data can be saved in several file formats including .html files for easy viewing with any web browser software. These panels are the latest technology for interactive presentations in conference rooms, classrooms, training facilities, lecture halls, trade shows and symposiums. They are also excellent tools for interactive data communications and presentations through Internet-based applications such as videoconferencing and remote training.

The new Release 6.0 of the StarBoard Software is available in March 2004 and will be provided with all new StarBoard systems. Hitachi Software is also making this new release available to all existing StarBoard customers at no charge until the end of 2004.

"We want all our customers to have the advantages of this new release," added Ralph Zak. "We believe we are setting a new benchmark for quality and productivity in this fast growing market."

About Hitachi Software
Founded in 1971, Hitachi Software Engineering is a major global supplier of solutions-oriented IT services, employing over 8,000 people worldwide with current sales of over $1.6 billion annually. Hitachi Software provides services using technology to enhance its customers' businesses through value-added professional services, consulting and support; and state-of-the-art multi-media presentation & conferencing systems.

For specifications and more information about the Interactive Communications Group for Hitachi Software's StarBoard products, visit www.hitachi-soft.com, or call 888-615-9600.

All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herein belong to their respective companies.

 

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