Presentation system takes quick route to Ethernet

Based on proven technology, NetPort uses the popular XPort device server from Lantronix and is currently being used in a number of different applications from industrial sensors to vending machines.3Touch, an Irish based provider of software to manage content, presentation and media, has carved a niche for itself in the audiovisual arena with its wide range of products. Suitable for both corporate and educational environments, 3Touch's solutions allow individuals to walk into any classroom, lecture theatre or boardroom and instantly access a networked presentation from a 3Touch lectern or control panel. Eliminating the need for floppy discs, USB memory sticks and networked PCs or laptops, 3Touch's solutions remove the obstacles that can affect the success of a presentation, allowing the presenter to concentrate on the task ahead.

Currently used by a number of leading universities and corporate organisations, 3Touch's products provide an effective way to manage all presentations throughout a venue.

However, recognising that 3Touch's solutions could do so much more, its software developers began to look for new features to add extra benefits to its range of solutions.

Eamonn Roarke, CEO, 3Touch, commented: 'At 3Touch we are constantly looking at new ways to improve our products'.

'We wanted to take presentation to the new level and allow the presenter to control multiple peripherals used in the delivery of presentations from an easy-to-use interface, but as software specialists, we lacked the expertise to control these various devices'.

'For example, we wanted to be able to allow the presenter to perform the tiniest function from turning up the audio volume or pausing a video clip centrally, rather than having to hunt for the relevant remote control'.

Giving the presenter the ability to control a host of devices, from whiteboards and DVDs to plasma screens and projectors, from a central point not only enhances the quality of the presentation, but allows the audience to become more engauged in the event.

Consequently, networking these peripherals enables A/V technicians to remotely monitor, troubleshoot and debug these devices, should any problems occur.

Maxine Hewitt, Sales Manager, Alpha Micro Components, enthused: 'Following a number of successful projects in Ireland, 3Touch turned to Alpha Micro because of our extensive knowledge of device networking and our ability to integrate both Ethernet and wireless capabilities into a range of devices across a wide cross-section of industry sectors'.

Taking the problem into careful consideration, a wireless solution comprising either GPRS or Wi-Fi would have been too costly and not suitable due to possible security breaches.

Ultimately, the most realistic option was an Ethernet solution.

With the Ethernet widely deployed throughout all educational and corporate organisations, the proposed solution would eliminate any additional work needed on the existing network and allow for seamless integration.

Ethernet capabilities in presentation peripherals are a very uncommon feature, therefore Alpha Micro needed to look for an external solution, which would quickly add this functionality.

Fortunately, this search did not take too long, as Alpha Micro's NetPort solution gives any device with a serial port Ethernet and web capabilities in a matter of seconds.

Hewitt continues: 'Using NetPort's embedded web server, real-time communications and monitoring can be conducted via any standard web browser'.

'NetPort is a 'plug and play' adapter and can literally be plugged into a serial port of a machine and start sending and receiving information over the Ethernet in a matter of minutes'.

Based on proven technology, NetPort uses the popular XPort device server from Lantronix and is currently being used in a number of different applications from industrial sensors to vending machines.

The technology is helping give a multitude of organisations greater control over their assets, making it possible for IT administrators and A/V technicians to connect nontraditional IT equipment to organisational networks.

Alpha Micro's core skills involve taking complex technologies such as GPRS and Ethernet and creating OEM solutions, which enable them to be incorporated into existing legacy devices.

Roarke explains: 'We were extremely interested in the NetPort solution following a number of discussions with Alpha Micro'.

'However, we were all amazed at the speed in which all the peripheral devices which we initially tested could be accessed via the Ethernet'.

'NetPort truly is a 'plug-and-play' solution'.

Following initial pilots in leading universities and blue-chip organisations, the solution has been met with a very positive response.

3Touch has been able to meet their objective by creating a system, which enables a presenter to control all aspects of their presentation at the touch of a button, without even needing to leave the lectern.

Hewitt explains the advantages of networked systems further: 'One of the most irritating things for a presenter is when mid-session one of the key pieces of hardware develops a technical fault'.

'By networking each of these devices, they can be monitored remotely and automated emails can be sent to the IT administrator advising of any problems, helping to minimise the device downtime and potential interruptions'.

'3Touch have also designed a feature into their system, allowing help to be summoned from the console'.

Device networking is slowly beginning to enter every single industry without exception.

Bringing new levels of control and asset management to audiovisual equipment, all equipment regardless of its location can be monitored remotely, making it easier for A/V technicians and IT administrators to manage devices throughout a university, multi-sited organisation or large company without having to leave their desk.

Through its innovative use of software, 3Touch is bringing leading edge technology into the boardroom, conference room and classroom to make the management, control and delivery of information easy.

By harnessing the power of Ethernet, 3Touch is taking its solutions to the next level and allowing all devices used in the delivery of presentations to be controlled and managed via a central interface.