We at Indusgeeks have been intently tracking developments on open sourcing of the Second Life server code. Because this will be a big step towards the Metaverse that we dream of. The Second Life technology will finally be distinct from the Linden Lab servers. Just as the Internet technology is separate from websites. And just as users can host their websites on any servers.
It has been plain for long that the business of selling virtual ‘land’ (i.e. server space and functions) exclusively cannot last. Linden Lab has long maintained their commitment to open sourcing. They took a baby step with making the source code for the Second Life client side available. Recently they also set up Second Life Gridwhere they address questions about open-sourcing in some detail (amongst other things). CEO Philip Rosedale also outlined plans for a shift in the Linden Lab business strategy in a recent interview with Reuters.
The prospect of hosting the Second Life technology on your own servers creates tremendous business opportunities for developers and users. For instance,3D LAN networks for organizations that can be used for corporate training, business process simulation and as valuable HR tools. Localized grids for different geographies. Low cost, discrete branded virtual worlds for New Media marketing. And many startling and unforeseen possibilities.
More on these opportunities in forthcoming posts.
Cheers and Happy Dusshera!
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