Article

Touch tech at political conventions

Both parties will make use of Microsoft Surface.

August 19, 2008

MINNEAPOLIS and DENVER — Microsoft is planning to bring its Surface tabletop computer, a 30-inch touch-enabled digital sign, to both the Democratic and Republican conventions.

To help the estimated 40,000 attendees at the Republican National Convention, to be held Sept. 1-4 in Minneapolis, Minn., a series of "digital concierges" will be available, according to a release from Microsoft. Microsoft Surface computing technology will help provide access to the latest convention and local information, including transportation routes, hotel locations, restaurant guides and entertainment options for Minneapolis — all through a natural interface requiring only natural hand gestures and touch.

Microsoft Surface, a multi-touch tabletop computer.

Microsoft Surface kiosks will also be set up at the Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28 in Denver, Colo., offering local information and multimedia files from past conventions.

Microsoft was a technology provider at the two 2004 conventions, but according to Joel Cherkis, general manger of government solutions for Microsoft, at that time the focus was primarily on creating a basic technology infrastructure for the events. This year, he says the role of technology is much more significant.

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There is nothing more visually appealing than the unique interactive experience through the Microsoft Surface," said Ryan Cahoy, vice president of sales and marketing for Rise Vision, a digital signage software provider. "The end user is no longer a passive viewer — they are more than comfortable with the use and interaction that these devices provide. I say the future of digital signage and the rate of change will be accelerating faster than we can imagine."