Collaborative Sharing Innovation Crafted in Bordeaux
Evolving the Game since 1994: Immersion's Journey into Collaborative Solutions
Fast forward through 26 thrilling years, and Bordeaux-based firm Immersion has cemented its reputation as a European heavyweight in collaborative technology. From humble beginnings in virtual and augmented reality, the team has pushed the boundaries, delivering a plethora of products and solutions designed to foster connection. In 2020, they saw the growing importance of collaboration in today's corporate world and, sensing an opportunity, brought Shariiing for You to life. Co-founder and president, Christophe Chartier, shares the story of this innovative project's conception.
Crickets, Crisis Management, and a Lightbulb Moment
In 2014-2015, the Immersion team debuted Shariiing, a software born from research into decision-making tools for crisis management. It marked a significant departure for the company, venturing into uncharted territory beyond its core business of hardware and custom solutions. Initially employed by the military and emergency services, the software proved to be an invaluable asset in complex, high-pressure scenarios. But as globalization redefined the business landscape, others began to recognize its potential, with manufacturers such as Airbus and Renault utilizing Shariiing for complex industrial challenges. Recognizing the software's commercial viability, Immersion set about enhancing its capabilities, giving birth to Shariiing Advanced in 2020. The software remains a key part of their corporate strategy.
Sales Pitch, Say What?
Shariiing Advanced appeals to workplaces such as meeting rooms and showrooms. It mostly functions within company networks and was initially unavailable on the web due to security concerns. However, understanding the pressing need for collaboration and remote work, the team decided to develop a web version for launch in late 2020. But as the world faced unprecedented challenges triggered by lockdowns, they recognized a gap in digital sovereignty. With so many relying on platforms like Zoom, Teams, and Skype for daily work, they chose to adapt their plans and offer a free, full-web version of Shariiing to the masses – Shariiing for You – in June 2020.
Sharing the Vibe with Shariiing for You
Shariiing for You goes beyond the traditional videoconferencing experience by enabling collaboration on multiple levels. Users can share documents, meet up to eight people, collaborate on documents with ease, and even use their smartphones without extra costs. The beauty lies in its simplicity, requiring only a browser for access. No need to install an app – just show up with the link!
French Fries, Flair, and Focus on People
Born in France, Shariiing for You prides itself on being simple, smart, and human-centric. It's intended for users of all technical backgrounds. The aim was to make a tangible contribution to rallying companies as they navigated uncertain times.
Keeping It secure
Concerned with security, the Immersion team opted for a paradigm shift – sharing pixels instead of data. For instance, sharing 3D files directly can pose security risks. To address this concern, they teamed up with OVH and exclusively host their operations on French servers. Users also maintain control over their camera and microphone permissions.
Harnessing the Power of Connections
In an era where remote work is increasingly vital, Shariiing aims to bridge the gap, transcending the limitations of hardware and software differences, and allowing interaction among people regardless of their spatial or digital environment. The foundation of their vision lies in the Common Operational Picture image, a shared visual representation that is easy to understand, intuitive, and interactive. This approach empowers individuals to collaborate effectively even when they are geographically spread out.
In a nutshell, Shariiing strives to facilitate the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and experiences among colleagues, encouraging the spirit of camaraderie that underpins the success of businesses, no matter the distance.
In the pursuit of innovation, Immersion, a European pioneer in collaborative technology, expanded their horizons by developing Shariiing, a software initially launched in 2014, focusing on data-and-cloud-computing and business decision-making tools. This diversification led to Shariiing's adoption in various sectors, including finance and industries like Airbus and Renault. Realizing its commercial potential, Immersion enhanced Shariiing to create Shariiing Advanced in 2020, integrating it into their strategic plan of fostering connections that transcend boundaries, whether territorial or digital.
