Could Second Life be a hit for the semiconductor industry?
I read a fascinating article in the Wall Street Journal recently about a social networking tool called Second Life, which, according to its site, is a “3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents,” and purports that since opening to the public in 2003, has grown and is now “inhabited” by approximately 8,652,655 “residents” from around the world.
According to the WSJ article, IBM Corp. employees have flocked to this site in droves and IBM even “owns” dozens of “islands” to allow geographically dispersed employees to attend meetings, orient new employees, view presentations and have other interactions – all with avatars.
It begs the question to me whether this type of Web 2.0 creativity could be or is being used between engineering teams designing chips, interacting with customers, or attending white-boarding sessions.
Of course there is a certain amount of fear that accompanies this type of technology: will the data and information be secure, how will customers respond to this method of communication, who is keeping tabs on what employees are saying and doing, among others.
Not surprisingly, and wisely (IMHO), IBM did pull in the reins a bit on its’ employees using the tool and has implemented guidelines for use of social networking sites such as Second Life.
What I’m wondering is how many of you have heard of Second Life, and if so, do you participate in it? Does your company participate? Would it be of interest if EDN.com participated?
Please comment or send email to me: ann.mutschler@reedbusiness.com
–Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor
Ari Blackthorne commented:
Pompo Bombacci commented:
