Audience Response System Software
There are two main types of audience response software: stand alone software and presentation software add-ins (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint). Audience response software lets the presenter collect participant data, display graphical polling results, and export the data to be used in reports and analysis.

Stand alone software works like any other type of software. Data collection and presentations are done through this. Their presentation modules usually have high quality graphics which are suitable for high-end audio-visual productions. Audience response professionals usually choose the standalone applications.

Add-in software has to be installed into other presentation software like PowerPoint or Apple Keynote. It modifies the presentation software by adding ARS capabilities. Add-in software uses the capabilities of a program while adding its support of an ARS system.

The software you choose is usually dependent upon the type of hardware you purchase and vice versa. Many hardware systems require you to use that company software with their systems because some of the software from other companies will not work on their systems. Until the ARS industry standardizes, this proprietary problem will continue to exist; however some systems do allow you to use different software titles because of similarities in the hardware.
When making a purchase, be sure to ask which software titles will be compatible with your hardware system. Also, find out if you can update your software at a later date for free or for a licensing fee.

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