Intervista's WorldView 2.0 VRML Browser to Ship with Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0; Integrated WorldView Functionality Opens New World of 3D on the Web; Intervista Showcases Top Ten 3D Multimedia Web Sites Utilizing New Internet Explorer 4.0 Capabilities

Business Wire, Sept 25, 1997

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 25, 1997--Intervista Software, the leader in 3D interactive software for the Internet and Intranets, today announced that its acclaimed WorldView 2.0 VRML browser will ship with the release of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 on September 30. The WorldView 2.0 browser will be an add-in option for users downloading Internet Explorer 4.0, providing one integrated download experience and eliminating the time-consuming plug-in process.

As part of today's announcement, Intervista is also showcasing ten hot 3D multimedia demonstrations that can be viewed with the new Internet Explorer 4.0 WorldView capabilities -- encouraging Internet Explorer 4.0 users to go beyond HTML to explore the new world of VRML (see "Top Ten 3D Multimedia Web Sites" side bar attached or http://www.intervista.com/mastercorp/index.html).

This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for Internet Explorer users who, for the first time, will have seamless access to a rapidly growing number of visually compelling, information-rich 3D multimedia business and entertainment applications on the Internet and Intranets. Web developers will benefit from an exploding installed base of users and superior viewing technology, driving the development and innovation of new 3D content.

"WorldView 2.0 is the premier browser for viewing VRML 2.0 content and is an exciting reason for users to move to Internet Explorer 4.0. We're committed to opening this `window to a new world' for the first time for Internet Explorer 4.0 users and developers," said Eric Engstrom, general manager of DirectX Multimedia for Microsoft Corp. "By making WorldView 2.0's technology widely available through Internet Explorer 4.0, Microsoft hopes to stimulate the development and use of rich, interactive 3D multimedia applications that add serious value to the Internet and Intranets."

Three dimensional multimedia provides an intuitive and natural way to explore complex ideas and concepts. VRML 2.0 promises to transform networked multimedia environments, such as the Internet as well as Intranets and Extranets, in three ways:

-- Interface: Offers full-range navigation, and is quickly driving a new graphical user interface (GUI) for the Web.

-- Information: Takes data representation beyond text to a more human, visual level. Three dimensions allow more information to be presented more effectively and to include the element of time, offering animation and real-time interactivity.

-- Media Integration: VRML, like its 2D counterpart HTML, integrates animation -- and goes one step beyond to integrate interactivity, depth, behaviors, Java, and spatialized sounds for a more compelling environment. WorldView 2.0 also leverages the multimedia power of DirectX, Microsoft's family of multimedia APIs, to enhance the user experience. Key areas include real-time rendering of complex 3D textures with Direct3D hardware acceleration; high-quality sound and 3D audio positioning with DirectSound; and support for alternative input devices such as virtual reality headgear with DirectInput.

"With Internet Explorer 4.0 as a platform for WorldView 2.0, millions of users will experience for the first time the powerful productivity advantages of 3D multimedia navigation and interaction," said Tony Parisi, president and chief executive officer at Intervista Software. "This is a major turning point for the advancement of Internet standard 3D, which is transforming the way that people view and interact with information."

VRML Means Business: Intervista Demonstrates Business Productivity Potential

Today, hundreds of Web content developers are demonstrating the education and entertainment advantages of VRML. These applications range from the popular Mars PathFinder mission demonstrations to full-length "Webisodes" and immersive online games.

But Intervista is driving a new direction in VRML. As more companies turn to the Internet or internal Intranets or Extranets for publishing and sharing materials, VRML offers unique potential for a more productive way to present and experience information. By 1998, thousands of corporate and commercial Web sites are expected to capitalize on the productivity value of networked, interactive 3D multimedia content, with uses ranging from navigation and data visualization to electronic collaboration. Web-based advertising, training, product and scientific demonstrations, and prototype design represent just a few other business opportunities.

"WorldView 2.0 is a wonderful browser. Intervista, pioneers in the development of VRML, continues to add bottom line value to the entire web business community. As a leader in innovative 3D business solutions, Out of the Blue absolutely relies on VRML browsers to deliver high quality content to the World Wide Web," said Linda Hahner, president and chief executive officer of Out of the Blue Design Ltd.

As the first step in its mission to take VRML beyond entertainment to transform business productivity on the Internet and Intranets, Intervista is demonstrating a potential Internet Explorer-based 3D multimedia business presentation and reporting application on its Web site at http://www.intervista.com/mastercorp/index.html .