USA. With this patent, Software Management now holds exclusive patent rights to their highly effective software application which is essential for online conventions in the destination management industry. The company will now make full use of its proprietary technology to enhance its existing products and services.
“This is a very significant development in our industry and certainly for our company,” said Jennifer W. Reichenbach, President of Software Management, Inc. “Most of the concepts covered by this patent were introduced and incorporated in our product technology following our application for a patent in December 1998. We now intend to evaluate a variety of strategic alternatives based upon this issued patent, and continue to enhance the functionality of our Destination 3000™ products in the marketplace.”
Since 1998, Software Management has worked to complete the technical and legal requirements to secure government approval. The patent, entitled “A Method and System for Conducting a Plurality of Cyber-Based Conventions,” was issued on September 15, 2009 (Patent No. 7,590,688). It was invented, designed and developed by Software Management founder and retired CEO Paul D. Franke, Sr.
SMI’s patented technology enables industry associations, convention and visitors bureaus, meeting planners and others to conduct and augment multiple industry events online, simultaneously, including the ability to manage and conduct virtual expositions and attendee registrations. For example, the user can register and “attend” an industry conference or trade show simply by viewing it at their computer from a remote location. Users can register online, participate, and enjoy the benefits of the event in much the same way that others who travel to the event would.
The SMI system receives and stores convention data and parameters from meeting planners. It then receives and stores exhibit booth display data for the convention from exhibitors. Based on search criteria provided by participating attendees, the website server releases stored database convention information based on the attendee’s interactive use online. In this way, the SMI system creates a “virtual convention venue” for conventions that exist only online. Additionally, the system supports and augments a convention or meeting being held in a physical or venue-based center.
“Many of our clients have supported our efforts to seek this valuable patent protection,” says Reichenbach. “They have placed their trust in SMI’s technology, products and professionals, and now share in our excitement with a long-term future now protected with rights under U.S. patent law.”
