IBM Announces Virtual Collaboration for Lotus Sametime

As part of its Sametime line of real-time collaboration software, IBM/Lotus has released a 3D virtual environment conferencing service which insists of avatars and whiteboards. Named Sametime 3D, this service also features conference tables, a gigantic appointment calendar, and a flip chart.

 

With the help of Sametime 3D, users of Lotus’s instant-messaging client, Sametime can set up and use virtual meeting spaces, select colleagues from their Lotus Sametime contact list, and also invite them to take part in a virtual meeting. IBM (News - Alert) said that the application will be useful for industries such as aerospace and defense, consumer products, staffing, manufacturing, and education.

 

Avatars can use text or voice chat, or both, to communicate. They can then share presentations or other materials, and take notes using virtual flip charts. They can also share ideas and other information on a brainstorm wall in a collaboration space.

 

 “Virtual Collaboration for Lotus Sametime is part of IBM's ongoing work to redefine the nature of on-line meetings," said John Allessio, vice president, IBM Software Services for Lotus, in a statement. "Whether through improvements to Web conferencing capabilities, or with tools such as VCS, IBM is offering new ways to engage and collaborate, making meetings more effective and productive. The timing is perfect for this new offering as it facilitates effective meetings.”

 

IBM quotes a survey by IT analyst firm ThinkBalm, which said there is a growing business need for immersive technologies such as virtual environments. The technologies may help business respondents to obtain a positive total economic benefit. According to the survey, enabling people in disparate locations to spend time together is an important benefit for 95 percent of survey respondents.