Virtual 3D Worlds, Web 3.0?

Now that Web 2.0 is fully upon us, people are looking forward to term the next breaking technology as Web 3.0. The most popular candidate to take on the Web 3.0 label is the virtual 3D world technology. Second Life is the best example of an interactive virtual 3D world in which people can perform nearly every real world function as a self-created avatar. Second Life has transcended the world of video games to become a way to literally live a “second life”. For example, the currency used in Second Life, Linden Dollars, can actually be exchange for real world currency.

Some of the world’s technical savvy companies are pushing the limits and capabilities of virtual world environments. In an article on Infotech.Indiatimes.com (see below for link to article), innovative ideas are presented for how businesses can utilize virtual 3D worlds in their everyday operations. As more people begin to establish their second life identities, businesses will have an increased target audience to reach in the virtual world. The article cites several India-based companies that have built virtual stores in second life and advertise on the virtual platform. Unfortunately, no data was provided to link the virtual advertising to any real world sales or profits.

Companies can not only utilize virtual worlds to reach customers, but also to conduct business meetings, conferences, presentations, interviews, etc. One of the primary benefits of conducting business via the virtual environment is that employees from different regions of the world can be brought together for a relatively low cost. The cost is low compared to costs associated with the conventional means of travels, such as booking flights, rental cars, and hotel rooms. So, instead of incurring the travel costs to bring together a group of employees, a company can arrange to meet in a virtual conference room and attendees can participate from the comfort of their own homes.

I think that virtual 3D worlds offer a viable substitute to live real world meetings; however, they could never completely replace the need for personal contact. At least not yet. It remains evident that some people of the Baby Boomer generation have failed to embrace the technology advances of the past twenty years. I have heard similar stories from many companies of employees who still struggle to master the idea of sending e-mails. Until the few people stuck in this technologically-ancient generation are phased out, or step into the age of technology, we may have to wait to coin the term Web 3.0.

http://infotech.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4021928.cms