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IBM to Explore New Virtual 3D Options

The groundbreaking computer giant, IBM, is set at breaking another frontier. `Big Blue` will spend about $10 million over the upcoming year on exploring and developing virtual 3D computer worlds. IBM is currently working on the popular 3D online universe Second Life, and plans to expand its presence on the Island during the year. Second Life is one of the most popular virtual worlds that operate on the web today, and even the reports agency Reuters opened a branch on one of the virtual Islands.

The virtual world has its own economy and currency and with over 1 million registered users, virtual business is done on the Island every day. The equivalent of about $500,000 passes between the users on the Island on a daily basis. IBM is currently the dominate force in this virtual world and uses it extensively. The company primarily uses the virtual world of meetings and training, but for some other leisure activities as well.

IBM will invest most of the money in developing its own private 3D internet where private corporate information can be discussed. The public nature of Second Life isn`t suitable for all kinds of business meetings, and IBM is looking at creating their own platform for inner-company activities. The way the internet is going, and the fact that more people are using online services to perform everyday tasks imposes the need for a new and virtual place to conduct our e-commerce, and IBM is set at providing that very place.