Obama Administrator to appear in Second Life

Kevin Werbach, served on the FCC segment of the Obama transition team, remains as an Administrator as a part-time advisor on broadband issues.

Wagner James Au reports that Werbach, who is a veteran the Virtual World Second Life, will make an appearance this week:

Webach wil be in-world this Wednesday at 1PM PDT on the Metanomics show:  "The Age of Obama: Virtual Worlds,Open Government, and Policy"

Announcing Helix Innovation Hive Event

You are invite you to learn about the NEW Helix Innovation Hive, an initiative that will help change the way you and your organization grow – not just survive – in the current economic environment, and beyond.

On June 25, from 7:30am to 10:00am, we are launching the Helix Innovation Hive and unveiling our first report, Virtual Worlds: A Universe of Opportunity.  It will be held at the Toronto Cricket Club, with a complimentary continental breakfast:

1. Introduction: Helix Innovation Hive
In these disruptive times, we live in a world of great change and uncertainty. There are two major themes of particular concern today:

                                                     a. Relentless Change in Unforgiving Times

                                                     Many organizations are striving to reinvent themselves in our volatile economic climate. How                                                            does your organization stay relevant to customers, while protecting its competitive edge, and                                                              spending more efficiently on innovation?

b. Uncertain Career Assurance and Growth
Have you had to rethink your professional growth trajectory in light of the economic downturn?  Helix’s Innovation Hive can help you develop and sustain your personal innovation leadership, while strengthening your network of professional contacts.

Helix continually has these conversations with our clients, partners and colleagues. We are responding to these challenges by starting a NEW social networking and research community to support innovation and networking at a grass roots level, with both face-to-face experiences and online communities.

2. Launch: Report on Virtual Worlds
Helix is launching its NEW report on Virtual Worlds, titled ‘Virtual Worlds – A Universe of Opportunity’ at the event. The report, based on a two-year comprehensive research program, is designed to offer insights into the universe of Virtual Worlds. The complete 152-page report is priced at $2,999. You will hear from the authors of this report and also see a demonstration of Helix’s new Virtual World Conference Center. The Conference Center was officially launched in Ottawa with the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) on May 19 at the CATA Innovation Gala.

Reserve today to hold your seat at this exclusive event. We have limited seating for 48 people. The deadline for reservations is June 10.

To RSVP
Contact Alex Watson at:
Phone: 647-477-6254
Email: alex@helixcommerce.com

Event Details
Date: June 25, 2009
Time: 7:30am to 10:00am
Location: Founders Room, Toronto Cricket Club
Address: 141 Wilson Ave., Toronto, Ontario;
Cost: None, complimentary continental breakfast will be served

The Helix team is looking forward to seeing you at our inaugural launch event of our NEW Helix Innovation Center and Virtual World offerings.

April Fools Announcement - Second Life Behind Company Firewalls in Alpha Testing

April 1, 2009 Linden Labs announced  that their stand-alone version of Second Life solutions is available in alpha phase.  IBM, Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), New Media Consortium (NMC), Intel, and Northrop Gramman are all currently using this install.

This is a server solution that is completely independent of the main Second Life environment.

It's now in alpha phase with plans for a limited closed beta phase in the summer and general availability later this year. 

This is good news for those companies who like the 3D advantages of a virtual world experience but have concerns about the content that abides on Second Life.  Training sessions, client interactions, knowledge transfer and conferences can all be conducted behind a company firewall.

Looking forward to seeing more as the in the box, corporate solution for behind company firewalls becomes available. 

Hopefully this isn't a bad April fools joke.