The SyncroSign Message Board is a battery-powered, Wi-Fi network eSign incorporating SmartPaper(TM), Gyricon's patented electronic paper technology. SmartPaper, a reusable monochromatic display material, is electrically writeable and erasable, and requires power only when information changes.

"The combination of Wi-Fi support, battery operation, and compact size allows us the freedom of placing these eSigns throughout our facilities without the need to install additional data lines or power jacks, an expensive consideration in older buildings," said Edward Adams, chief technology officer and director, computing services, Ross School of Business. "And because SignSync, the scheduling management software, utilizes the familiar Outlook- like interface, it was easy to distribute the scheduling operation to various departments."

The SyncroSign Message Board benefits the school in several locations. In the Computing Services Department, the display alerts network administration and the Help Desk of network status and updates. Outside the students' labs and the school's high-tech instructional classroom, the eSign displays room use schedules and classes. At the John R. and Georgene M. Tozzi Electronic Business and Financial Center, a replica of a state-of-the-art electronic trading floor, the academic community is notified of special events and room use.

"We are excited that the Ross School of Business, one of the world's leading centers for research and education, is utilizing our SyncroSign eSignage solution to create and distribute dynamic messaging," said Chris Cosgrove, vice president of sales and customer operations, Gyricon. "Our primary goal for the SyncroSign Message Board and the newly released SyncroSign Messenger is to offer an easy and affordable way to convey up-to- date information throughout university and corporate campuses."

For academic and corporate facilities that utilize custom scheduling software or specialized databases, Gyricon has created a SignSync API (Application Programming Interface) for tighter software integration and seamless implementation. According to Adams, the soon-to-be-released SignSync API will enable the Ross School's existing scheduling and database programs to publish directly to the SyncroSign products from a central location. With the upcoming addition of SyncroSign Messenger eSigns outside the small group study rooms, room reservations will be displayed from requests entered by the students from the school's online reservation system.

SyncroSign Messenger is a battery-powered, Wi-Fi (802.11b) network eSign with a 9" diagonal display that is capable of displaying fonts, logos and black-and-white line art.