Press Releases

New Enterprise Collaboration Technology by PolyVision Brings Together Disparate Workforces and Improves Organizational Efficiencies 
PolyVision’s Thunder™ Virtual Flipchart™ System optimizes enterprise collaboration for on-site and remote workers

Suwanee, GA (September 20, 2006) – PolyVision Corporation, a Steelcase Company (NYSE:SCS) and the world leader in visual communication products, today announced that the company’s next-generation collaboration tool, Thunder™ Virtual Flipchart™ System, will help improve collaboration among on-site and remote workers, bringing together disparate workforces separated due to telecommuting and business travel.

“Thunder helps disparate teams feel more connected by bridging the collaboration gap between team members who travel for business, work in an office, or work out of their own homes,” said Mike Dunn, CEO of PolyVision.  “Imagine the ability to collaborate anywhere, any time, regardless of location; develop ideas; communicate concepts and information; and never have to take another note or wish everyone was together in one place.”

Thunder improves efficiency among disparate workers

A 2005 survey sponsored by the Telework Advisory Group for WorldatWork and conducted by The Dieringer Research Group found that of the 135.4 million working Americans, 45.1 million work from home.  The survey also found that there was a 30% increase during the past year in employee telecommuters. 

“With the increasing trend of remote workers, it is imperative that companies provide the right collaboration tools to keep teams connected and moving forward on projects and initiatives,” stated Dunn.  “Thunder answers this need and completely redefines the collaborative experience, giving teams the environment and tools to work or learn together and share information without barriers or complexity, regardless of location.”

With Thunder, any data and information, in any format, can be communicated, stored, displayed, and organized – all captured on an unlimited, shared group canvas in real time.  The group easel is as easy to use as a paper flipchart allowing participants to jot notes and drawings onto a “page” with a stylus or finger.  Multiple pages are "posted" - projected - onto the wall in high resolution, allowing all the information to remain visible to all participants.

With the touch of an icon, Thunder immediately integrates all forms of media and content into a meeting creating a stream of projected images that flow freely among groups, allowing creative flexibility. Any team member on any laptop with an Internet connection can instantly join the session from within the room, or remotely, and enjoy full multi-way participation. Participants can share their laptop screen, actively add content, and annotate, turning a personal computer into a true group device. Following a lecture or seminar, content is seamlessly archived, emailed to all participants, and ready at the touch of an icon for immediate retrieval, whenever desired and from any location.

A second contingent of remote workers includes business travelers who are on the road more than in the office. Today, more than $595B dollars is spent on business travel. (Source: World Travel & Tourism Council, "The 2006 Travel & Tourism Economic Research:  Executive Summary," 2006.)  These employees face the same need to connect with coworkers and share information as their colleagues who work from home.

“Thunder Virtual Flipchart System supports the needs of all types of remote workers, as well as providing a superior collaborative experience for employees who remain in the office,” added Mr. Dunn.

About Thunder™ Virtual Flipchart™ System
Thunder Virtual Flipchart System is the new generation of collaboration. With Thunder, organizations can experience an entirely new dimension of collaboration for groups and teams in which any data and information, in any format, can be communicated, stored, displayed, and organized – all captured on an unlimited, shared group canvas in real time. Teams can connect from anywhere in the world through Thunder, reducing the need for excess travel. The system is simple and intuitive to use, allowing teams to work the way they want. For more information, visit www.polyvision.com/thunder.

About PolyVision Corporation, a Steelcase Company
PolyVision Corporation enhances the way people learn, work, and communicate visually through a broad portfolio of products. Since 1954, PolyVision has focused on creating products and services that inspire users to be more productive, effective, and creative when collaborating and communicating visually. Whether it is developing the world’s number one selling P³ ceramicsteel^® surface, or creating the industry’s first walk-up-and-use interactive whiteboard, PolyVision has an unparalleled track record of new breakthroughs in the visual communication market. For more information, visit www.polyvision.com.