3Di, Inc. launches 3Di Immersive Seminar as SaaS using 3D virtual worlds on web sites and next generation collaboration tools:
Aimed at supporting corporate CO2 emissions reduction and pandemic countermeasures

3Di Inc., which develops and offers 3D Internet solutions (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Satoshi Koike. Hereinafter referred to as 3Di.), announced today that it will start providing a SaaS-type 3Di Immersive Seminar.

3Di Immersive Seminar is a service that allows customers to hold their own seminars by using 3D seminar rooms in 3D virtual worlds on the Internet. Companies wishing to hold seminars will be able to apply for the service from the web site.

This service eliminates time and effort required for venue selection and set up, that would otherwise be necessary for traditionally organized seminars. With this service, customers can easily hold their own seminars in 3D seminar rooms on the web site. By sharing the same 3D worlds with seminar participants by means of avatars, customers can experience the live atmosphere of actual seminars in the real world and at the same time can experience interactive communications. Since neither seminar organizers nor participants are required to be physically at seminar venues, the service contributes to reduction of transport-related CO2 emissions and of transport costs. In addition, the service is effective for pandemic countermeasures and business continuity plans (BCP) against new flu epidemics.

[Features of the 3Di Immersive Seminar]

• With the Internet and PCs, participation from around the world is possible. No special equipment required.
• 3D seminar rooms are ready for use. Seminar organizers only need to be at the 3D seminar room to welcome guests on the day of the seminar.
• Immersive communication will enliven seminars, which traditionally have tended to be one-way communication .
• Since no travel to seminar venues is required, the service eliminates transport-related CO2 emissions, contributing to corporate environmental measures and reduction of transport costs.
• Effective as a pandemic measure against new flu epidemics.

■Examples of usage

Prospective use cases include seminars for explanation of products, virtual corporate seminars for new recruits, group interviews, press release conferences for new products, pan-industry social events, customer service centers for manufacturers and associations, small-group seminars, adult education seminars, classes for qualification acquisition, virtual offices, corporate collaboration spaces, and more.

■Functions

Provided functions include voice communication (VoIP), chatting in text format, document sharing, community spaces, and more.

3Di Immersive Seminar system uses the 3D virtual world technologies 3Di OpenSim (*1) and 3Di OpenViewer (*2). 3Di OpenSim (*1) is server software developed and offered by 3Di for the construction of original 3D virtual worlds. At CEATEC JAPAN 2009, to be held at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba from October 6th, 2009, 3Di will provide 3D virtual world demonstrations of the 3Di Immersive Seminar.