IBM and Linden teleport avatars beween virtual worlds

Linden Labs, creators of Second Life, and IBM say they have developed have created a set of compatible avatars that can be used on either companies systems.

The two companies said that they have successfully transported avatars from IBM's OpenSim virtual world server to a Second Life Preview server. The 3D characters were 'teleported' from one server to another and were able to function in both worlds.

The companies said that the occasion marks an important milestone in their interoperability efforts.

Both companies have been looking for new avenues for virtual worlds. Linden Labs is hoping to extend the reach of Second Life, while IBM has long been looking to 3D worlds as a vehicle for its business and communications programs.

The two sides hope to eventually create a system in which a user can create a single avatar that can be transported and used in a variety of virtual world platforms and servers. The companies also hope to create a system which will make 3D worlds practical for use by businesses for both internal and public events.

"Interoperability is a key component of the 3D Internet and an important step to enabling individuals and organizations to take advantage of virtual worlds for commerce, collaboration, education, operations and other business applications," said Colin Parris, IBM's vice president of digital convergence.

"Developing this protocol is a key milestone and has the potential to push virtual worlds into the next stage of their evolution."