Orlando, Fl. (June 2, 2003) – Competitors in the electronic whiteboard industry are in a feature/function battle, increasingly adding functionality to products to “out-perform” each other. Yet the market has remained stagnant regardless of the escalating number of product features and functions launched. PolyVision, the worldwide leader in visual communication products and a Steelcase (NYSE: SCS) Company, has a new point of view. “We’ve watched it [the market], studied it, and arrived at an important and critical decision. The only way this industry will change is if we make the bold move and that’s exactly what we are going to do,” promises Mike Dunn, PolyVision President and CEO.

At InfoComm 2003 in booth 3700, the company is launching a new generation of products that meet three main principles established by PolyVision to ensure high rates of user and market adoption, including:

1. FUMIFU™ or First Use Must Inspire Future Use: If someone fails in the use of a product the first time, they seldom go back. If it happens a second time, they’ll never go back. PolyVision’s #1 rule is to inspire users through that first experience.

2. Walk Up and Use Experience: Forty-four percent of meetings are spontaneous exchanges that are unplanned. The problem with electronic products in the past has been, if users didn’t plan ahead, forget it, electronic whiteboards are of little to no value. PolyVision pledges to change that with products that are as easy and spontaneous to use as tying a pair of shoes.

3. Support Existing Work Practices and Tools: PolyVision is breaking the mold with solutions that fit how users work, combined with the ability to use and leverage the tools they know and use every day.

“We have performed a number of user behavior studies and focus groups and have learned that consumers may ask for added features, but what they really want is a product that is simple use and very accessible,” added Dunn.

The new technology systems launching at the show, include:

• Walk-and-Talk™ Presentations Series: allow users to walk among the audience and control presentation and board activities through an incredibly intuitive remote control. The series runs on driver software, much like a printer, allowing users to literally begin using the board without training. By using PolyKey™ Technology for Instant Plug and Play; users can attach any laptop to the board to instantly use the system without having to plan ahead.
  
• TabletBoard™ Plasma Display System: a large-format, interactive companion display for a tablet computer powered by a 50” plasma screen. By connecting a Tablet PC to the TabletBoard, it instantly converts the screen to a giant Tablet PC, immediately allowing users to move from the “I” work space to the “We” space.
  
• Impulse LTX™ Multimedia Whiteboard System allows users to instantly connect a PC to the board to project and interact with images and programs. Newly announced LTX capabilities include:
  • On-Board Scanner allows users to walk into a meeting and scan handwritten notes, agendas or a hard copy directly onto the board to instantly view the image in digital format and save, modify, print or save the information.
  • LiveView™ Technology allows user to send a live video feed of what is written or projected on the board to display on large overhead screens in real-time. This allows presenters in stadium sized rooms to continue their current teaching pedagogy without having to learn new technology or instructing format.
    
• Power and Data Track System: uniquely integrates power and data into a wall track system. It allows users to better utilize their space, and place an electronic whiteboard where they need it, when they need it without worrying about a stand or wires. The track is compatible with PolyVision’s Walk-and-Talk™ Presentation Series.

• Designer Series Markerboard: is a stylish addition to complement any executive boardroom, higher education team room, or training facility. It is designed with custom wood trim, and cast aluminum to create an aesthetically exciting look.
  
• InfoWizard™ Interactive Plasma Display System: acts as digital signage, room and meeting locator or offers important information such as fire exits and safety information. It works in conjunction with PolyVision’s RoomWizard™ room scheduling systems to provide one-touch access to room availability.

Also featured in the booth will be PolyVision’s award-winning CopyCam® SI and Pro image capturing systems and RoomWizard Room Scheduling Systems.

About Steelcase Inc.

Steelcase Inc., a Fortune 500 company, helps individuals and organizations around the world to work more effectively by providing knowledge, products and services that enable customers and their consultants to create work environments that integrate architecture, furniture and technology.  Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company has led the global office furniture industry in sales every year since 1974.  Its product portfolio includes furniture systems, seating, lighting, storage, architectural and technology products, and related products and services.  Fiscal 2003 revenue was approximately $2.6 billion.  Steelcase Inc. and its subsidiaries have dealers in more than 900 locations, manufacturing facilities in over 40 locations and approximately 16,000 employees around the world.  The company's Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol SCS.  For more information, visit www.steelcase.com.

About PolyVision Corporation

“FUMIFU”, “Walk-and-Talk”, “PolyKey”, “TabletBoard”, “Impulse”, “InfoWizard” and “P³ceramicsteel” are trademarks of PolyVision Corporation.  “CopyCam” is a registered trademark of PolyVision Corporation.  “RoomWizard” is a trademark of Steelcase Inc.

Contact:

Megan Gajdos/Wendy Froehlich
PolyVision Corporation
(c) 404.509.0160 (booth 3700)
mgajdos@polyvision.com
wfroehlich@polyvision.com

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