In an era where technology continually reshapes the educational and corporate landscape, Paul Brown, CEO of DisplayNote, stands as a testament to strategic foresight and adaptive leadership. Brown’s journey with DisplayNote, since its inception in 2012, mirrors the dynamic evolution of technology in education and business environments.
The Genesis of DisplayNote
The early 2010s marked a significant shift in educational technology, primarily influenced by the advent of handheld devices like iPhones and iPads. Brown recognised the potential of these devices in revolutionising classroom engagement. DisplayNote emerged as a response to this paradigm shift, aiming to transform educators from central figures to facilitators and enhance student involvement.
Despite initial challenges, such as the slow adoption of ‘Bring Your Own Devices’ (BYOD) policies in schools and navigating a competitive landscape, DisplayNote found early support. Brown’s first year at the helm involved critical steps such as fundraising, board establishment, and customer acquisition, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
Evolving Product Offerings
Central to Brown’s leadership has been a keen understanding of customer needs and market opportunities. DisplayNote’s evolution from a classroom tool to the screen-sharing application ‘Montage’ exemplifies this adaptive approach. The transition to hardware, prompted by the lack of computing capabilities in classroom projectors, was a strategic move. However, the emergence of interactive displays with integrated operating systems around 2016-2017 streamlined the incorporation of DisplayNote’s software.
Further innovation led to the creation of ‘Launcher’, a call and app launcher for meeting rooms, debuted as a proof of concept in February 2019. This solution, introduced just before the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasised seamless connectivity in meeting rooms, offering a platform-agnostic approach for various communication tools. Despite the unforeseen acceleration of video conferencing and a decrease in physical meetings due to the pandemic, Launcher experienced significant growth.
A New Chapter with Volaris Group
Recently, DisplayNote’s journey entered a new phase with its acquisition by the Volaris Group, a subsidiary of the Canadian Constellation Software Group. This strategic move, far from being a mere acquisition, represents a commitment to DisplayNote’s legacy and future growth. As part of a larger conglomerate, DisplayNote is poised for further development, with a continued focus on its core values of collaboration, integrity, innovation, commitment, and relationships.
Looking Ahead
Brown emphasises the necessity of agility in responding to the rapidly changing technology landscape. Under the aegis of Volaris, DisplayNote is set to expand its technology, customer base, and team. The company’s recent advancements, such as enhancing the Airplay feature in its screen-sharing solution and forging new technology partnerships, underline its commitment to simplifying connectivity in educational and corporate settings. Brown’s vision for DisplayNote extends beyond 2024, anticipating further growth and innovation in partnership with leading interactive display brands like Newline, Dell, Ricoh, Clevertouch, and Avocor.