Virtual reality in business is a concept whose time has come. Not too long ago, teleconferencing was the big "ooh aah" in the business world, allowing remote meeting participants not only to communicate but also to view each other through phone networks. But that was the 20th century. In the 21st century, emerging technology has created a new reality for businesses - virtual reality, that is. Now, meetings, conferences and collaborations can happen in 3D environments that are virtual simulations of the real world, all courtesy of virtual reality software.

Imagine a 3D version of yourself (called an avatar) sitting in a virtual meeting where blueprints on a new product are being displayed, or where a sales presentation shows an increase in net profits. Imagine participating in an interactive training session 500 miles from your office. Now imagine the savings in travel costs and time. Virtual reality in business is a new and groundbreaking frontier. Consider again what a virtual reality software system allows you to do:

1. Model and test prospective products through immersive visualization.
2. Train employees through virtual reality simulators.
3. Collaborate remotely in 3D environments.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a virtual reality software program that provides pre-visualization for your product marketing

Many of the suppliers of virtual reality software provide interactive graphics and environments that let you model and preview products, which gives you a cutting edge--as well as cutting costs--in your product marketing. You want a VR software solution that gives you a multi-user 3D environment with rich animation.

I recommend: Pelican Crossing's Blink 3D is a premiere VR software program that creates animated, interactive 3D environments that can be published to the web or locally. Rich graphics add dimensions to your product marketing. Check out Pelican's Blink 3D video, which illustrates how to create your own 3D worlds. iReality is another provider of VR solutions that help industries market their products.

Choose a virtual reality software program that offers training simulations

Let interactive 3D visualization take your corporate training to a whole other level. No more dry lectures, flat notes and boring graphs, and in cases of industry training, no more physical risk to your employees. A VR software program lets you and your employees become immersed in 3D simulations that offer realism and active participation.

I recommend: Maelstrom offers a virtual reality software system that provides immersive environments with detailed models and scenarios. Trainees will feel that they are really "there" and will learn by doing instead of just listening. Maelstrom also guarantees hardware specifications to meet your needs. Engineering & Computer Simulations also provides 3D training environments as well as learning assessment tools to evaluate your employees' training.

Find a software program for virtual reality applications that offers flexible collaboration

Meet 'face-to-face' despite geographical distances. Managers and employees from global offices can collaborate in realistic customizable, multi-user 3D environments from anyplace. Cut costs and streamline your organizational processes with a software program for virtual reality applications that does this and much more.

I recommend: Forterra provides realistic 3D worlds where you and your management team (through avatars) can collaborate interactively. Can't quite visualize it? Check out some screenshots. Businesses have discovered that Second Life (which offers a free program download) is more than a web-based social network - it provides venues for companies to construct their own offices. Even IBM has a center there.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most VR products require downloads and plug-ins. It is important that your plug-ins are compatible with your current browser to get the optimum use of your VR system.