Close to 600,000 Interactive Whiteboards were sold worldwide last year, generating nearly US$1bn of revenue, according to a new market report from Futuresource Consulting.

“Across the globe, the Interactive Whiteboard phenomenon is really taking hold,” says Colin Messenger, Senior Consultant, Futuresource. “ Driven by continued technological developments, its predictions show ctions show that one in six classrooms will be hooked up with an Interactive Whiteboard by 2012.

According to the report, in 2008, the USA had a hugely successful year, with sales volumes surpassing 250,000 units, up 65% on volume and over 100% in value. In the UK, demand is still strong and will continue to be sustained, with a swell of activity awaiting EMEA.

In the 66 countries covered within the report, Messenger calculates there are over 31 million classrooms: a huge market potential for companies operating within this sector. “Our research is showing there are no real signs of recession in education technology markets. The feedback I’m getting from the marketplace is positive and the general view is that there’s a far greater safety net than other sectors. Few markets hold the promise of education, where we’ll see very strong sales growth for at least the next five years.”