LightRaise(TM) 40wi Projector Includes SMART Notebook(TM) to
              Deliver Affordable Interactive Lessons

LONDON, Jan. 11, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SMART Technologies Inc.
(Nasdaq:SMT) (TSX:SMA), a leading provider of collaboration solutions,
announces the release of the LightRaise 40wi interactive projector. The
LightRaise projector is a pen-enabled, ultra-short-throw projector that
can turn nearly any surface into an interactive learning space. As part
of a comprehensive educational technology solution, the LightRaise
projector includes the award-winning SMART Notebook collaborative
learning software, which teachers around the world use to create and
deliver engaging lessons to over 40 million students. Educators using
the LightRaise projector can also access the SMART Exchange(TM) website
(exchange.smarttech.com), where they can connect, share and download
over 51,000 digital resources. The projector also comes with a
rechargeable interactive pen, a pen holder, USB and VGA cables and an
easy-to-install wall mount.

The LightRaise 40wi interactive projector offers educators an
affordable option for making classrooms interactive. The projector can
produce screen sizes up to 100" (254 cm) in a widescreen format, making
it a flexible solution designed to fit into nearly any classroom or
collaborative space. With its ultra-short throw, the LightRaise
projector eliminates most shadow and glare and delivers a crisp, bright
image. Teachers and students can use the interactive pen to write over
applications and digital content, making lessons more engaging. As part
of SMART education solutions, the LightRaise projector integrates
seamlessly with other SMART products such as the SMART Response(TM)
interactive response system, the SMART Document Camera(TM) and the
SMART Slate(TM) wireless slate. Additionally, the LightRaise projector
is protected by SMART Projector Care, a three-year service and warranty
program offering fast and reliable support to customers. For more
information on the LightRaise 40wi interactive projector, visit
smarttech.com/LightRaise.

"As schools continue to face budgetary restraints, administrators are
looking for new and affordable ways to integrate interactive technology
products into the classroom," says Linda Thomas, Vice President,
Products, SMART Technologies. "With the LightRaise 40wi interactive
projector and SMART Notebook software, educators can implement
technology products in the classrooms and can benefit from a vast
collection of interactive digital content and SMART customer support."

Features

SMART product integration -- Ships with SMART Notebook collaborative
learning software and integrates with a range of SMART education
solutions

Interactive pen and pen holder -- Ships with a rechargeable interactive
pen for effortless writing on the display surface and a pen holder

Ultra-short throw -- Provides a 0.3:1 throw ratio, eliminating most
shadows and glare

Built-in sound -- Includes a 10-watt speaker and a microphone input

Flexible installation -- Fits a wide variety of learning spaces and
surfaces for image sizes up to 100" (254 cm) and comes with an
easy-to-install wall mount

SMART Projector Care -- Includes product replacement and preferred
pricing on projector and lamp upgrades and replacements as well as a
three-year service and warranty program. For more information on SMART
Projector Care Plus, visit smarttech.com/projectorplus

Video

To download a video of the LightRaise interactive projector, go to
link.

Image

To download an image of the LightRaise interactive projector, go to
link.

Pricing and availability

The suggested education list price for the LightRaise 40wi interactive
projector is US$1699 in the United States. It includes the interactive
projector, one SMART Notebook software license, one rechargeable
interactive pen, a pen holder, USB and VGA cables and an
easy-to-install wall mount. Prices outside the United States vary by
country and may include applicable taxes, duties and import costs.
Information on suggested education list price is available from SMART
local authorized resellers. The Light Raise 40wi interactive projector
will begin shipping globally in spring 2012. For purchasing
information, specifications and a list of authorized resellers, visit
smarttech.com.

About SMART

SMART Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of collaboration
solutions that transform the way the world works and learns. We believe
that collaboration and interaction should be easy. As the global leader
in interactive whiteboards, we bring more than two decades of
collaboration research and development to a broad range of easy-to-use,
integrated solutions that free people from their desks and computer
screens, so collaborating and learning with digital resources are more
natural.

The SMART Technologies logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7573

Reader's advisory

Certain information contained in this press release may constitute
forward-looking information or statements. By their very nature,
forward-looking information and statements involve inherent risks and
uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions,
forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information and
statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue
reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could
cause the actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking
information or statements. We do not assume responsibility for the
accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking information or
statements. Any forward-looking information and statements contained in
this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary
statement.

(C) 2012 SMART Technologies. LightRaise, SMART Notebook, SMART
Exchange, SMART Response, SMART Document Camera, SMART Slate, smarttech
and the SMART logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SMART
Technologies in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.


CONTACT: Laurie Long
         Senior Public Relations Specialist
         SMART Technologies Inc.
         Phone +1.403.407.5085
         E-mail LaurieLong@smarttech.com
         smarttech.com