Business
Govt Agency Becta chooses RM
Govt Agency Becta chooses RM.
About this update from Rm Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RM PLC\n12 December 2007\n\n\n Government agency Becta chooses RM to develop open file format for interactive\n whiteboards\n\nRM has been appointed by UK government agency Becta to develop a common,\nindustry-wide open 'file format' standard for interactive whiteboard software.\nThe standard is intended to allow interoperability between different interactive\nwhiteboard software packages. This means that software developers and publishers\nwill be able to create interactive learning resources that can be used on a wide\nrange of different manufacturers' interactive whiteboards.\n\nThe intention is to create a genuinely open standard. RM will carry out the\ndevelopment work in close liaison with Becta, BESA (British Education Suppliers\nAssociation), whiteboard manufacturers and educational software publishers;\nBecta has already published a call for wide stakeholder engagement on its Web\nsite. The work also includes the creation of a freely-available open-source\n'viewer' application, which will allow files created to the standard to be\nplayed on any whiteboard.\n\nTim Pearson, CEO of RM, said:\n\n'Open standards are very important - both for customers, who want confidence\nthat educational software will work on whatever hardware they choose; and for\nthe industry, which wants access to an open market. Becta's move to create a\ncommon file format for interactive whiteboard software is a really positive step\nforward for educational ICT in the UK.\n\n'We're committed to working with a wide range of stakeholders - from the\ncommercial world and the education service - to make sure we develop a standard\nthat is genuinely useful to all.'\n\n\nFor further information, please contact:\nPhil Hemmings, RM plc 08450 700300\nMark Antelme, Brunswick 020 7404 5959\n\n\nNotes:\n\nFounded in 1973, the RM Group is a leading provider of educational products and\nservices to schools, colleges and universities, local government and central\ngovernment education departments and agencies. RM works closely with\neducationalists to create new products, processes and technology which improve\nteaching and learning. RM is listed on the main market of the London Stock\nExchange under the symbol RM.L.\n\nBecta is a UK government agency. It leads the national drive to improve learning\nthrough technology, by working with industry and the education ...