Virtual Worlds Forum

Japanese tech firm Fujitsu has opened three interlinked islands in Second Life, as part of its push into virtual reality. There's a dual aim: to find new ways of interacting with customers, and also to evaluate the potential of such worlds within Fujitsu's business. The initiative's being led from Fujitsu's Japanese headquarters, indicating a rise in corporate interest in Second Life and similar worlds in Japan. The three islands are called, logically enough, Fujitsu, Fujitsu 2, and Fujitsu 3, with each having a different focus. Fujitsu focuses on the company history, an introduction to its products and services, and other corporate events. Meanwhile, Fujitsu 2 is more about exhibition spaces and attractions, as well as "collaboration with customers". But it's Fujitsu 3 that's most intriguing, focusing on Fujitsu's research into brain functions with Riken and the Japan Shogi Association. The main island looks very sleek and techno-friendly, while Fujitsu 3 has more of a traditional Japanese feel. It wasn't exactly bustling when I dropped in, but then that was afternoon UK-time, when there might not be many Japanese users knocking about the network. It'll certainly be one to watch, to see what kind of events Fujitsu plans to build a community around its islands. See more photos by clicking below, and visit using the SLurls for Fujitsu, Fujitsu 2 and Fujitsu 3.