Blackboard has upgraded its Connect 5 platform to include enhanced geo-targeting capabilities and streamlined, single sign-on access.

Blackboard Connect is a multi-modal notification system that officials use to quickly send important messages to an entire population or targeted groups of people through voice, email and text messages, as well as posts to Facebook and Twitter.

The geo-targeting capabilities provides for automated weather alerts recorded in a human voice to keep communities aware of the most up to date, relevant conditions.

The streamlined sign-on access for all Blackboard Connect and Blackboard Engage users will allow for faster message distribution and automated contact database integration between the two platforms.

Other product updates include:

• Single sign-on for enterprise authentication in the Blackboard Connect user environment using security assessment markup language, as well as recipient authentication for increased security.

• New data integration tools that save time and resources, including a client-side data uploader program that streamlines data integration and puts more control in the hands of users.

• Direct message delivery to Internet protocol endpoints, including VoIP phones, desktop alert software and digital signage, to reach communities.

Additional Blackboard Connect enhancements include new reports, a dedicated short code for non-emergency text messages and new internationalization enhancements, including dedicated short codes for Canada and Mexico, as well as interface support for right-to-left alphabets like Arabic and Hebrew.

More than 1,800 education, government and business organizations–almost one-third of Blackboard’s mass notification clients–have upgraded to Connect 5 since its release a year ago.