Download IBM'S 3-D world into your world; IBM Virtual World Links Social Computing, Commerce on the Internet

Business Wire, Dec 5, 1995

SOMERS, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 1995--The Internet is home to a vast wealth of information resources, and surfing it can be like junk food for the mind. IBM has made getting to that information more exciting by creating a virtual world where avatars, 3-D embodiments of people, allow users to converse, browse historical libraries and gather information on computer products and services.

Today, IBM is announcing the availability of the IBM Virtual World, a three-dimensional limited demonstration environment. Visitors search and surf through Web sites by simulated 3-D navigation -- entering buildings, strolling down hallways and conducting text-based chats -- rather than by looking at flat, 2-D pictures. People entering the IBM Virtual World are allowed to select one of six avatars to represent them in cyberspace. The IBM Virtual World adds a third dimension to the Internet, to make the experience more lifelike and to provide a place for visitors to go for both information and entertainment.

The IBM Virtual World will be available, at no cost, from the IBM Software Home Page at http://www.software.ibm.com. Users can download their copy after completing an on-line registration form and accepting license terms and conditions.

"The IBM Virtual World exemplifies IBM's leadership in network-centric computing, enabling people to find and share information across the Internet," said Steve Mills, general manager, IBM Software Solutions Division. "It's fun, it's accessible and it can also serve a larger business and educational purpose."

Places To Go

This first version of the IBM Virtual World focuses on the following three locations:

The Community Forum -- IBM's center for social computing,

the Forum is comprised of three chat areas where people can

meet for open discussion. Chat areas are divided into rooms

by industry, user group and geography. Eventually, the

Forum could also be used for remote classroom learning

seminars and training sessions.

The Los Angeles Public Library Photo Gallery and The

Historical Library -- On display in the Gallery are eight

digitized photographs depicting life in Los Angeles in the

early 1900s from the "Shades of L. A." collection. The

Historical Library allows users to search for and view

rare and valuable documents.

The Solution Center -- Potential end-users and businesses

can learn about IBM products and services before making

buying decisions. Thirteen IBM solutions are represented in

the Center including database management, application

development and Lotus software, along with IBM hardware,

networking and services. By clicking on a solution, users

will be automatically linked to that Web page for additional

information.

"This leading-edge application puts IBM in the forefront of 3-D technology," said Willy Chiu, director, multimedia technology, IBM Software Solutions Division. "IBM Virtual World adds a whole new dimension to surfing the Internet."

Background Information

Based in Somers, N.Y., the IBM Software Solutions Division provides data management, multimedia and application development solutions for mission-critical applications on PCs, workstations, LANs, and large servers.

For Internet users, IBM offers complete information about the company, its products, services and technology on the World Wide Web. The IBM Home Page is at http://www.ibm.com. The fastest, easiest way to get information about IBM software is to go to the IBM Software home page at http://www.software.ibm.com.

CONTACT: Rick Bause

IBM Media Relations

(914) 766-1750

Internet: rickb@vnet.ibm.com

or

Beth Kitchener

Brodeur & Partners (for IBM)

(617) 622-2848

Internet: bkitchener@brodeur.com