Cutter Journal (September, 2008 issue) has just published a 35-page report aimed directly at traditional IT managers — exploring the meaning, value, and actions needed for virtual worlds.
And since I wrote a paper there, and you are my reader.. you get the entire issue in PDF free 🙂 see here.
In Cutter’s tradition of debate they start with the contradiction:
Virtual Worlds Pose Real Problems: Virtual worlds are immature and rife with
problems, from service outages to avatar harassment. Though they offer great promise, they aren’t yet ready for fielding mainstream applications. Many early adopters saw no substantial benefit and have beat a hasty retreat.Virtual Worlds They Offer Real Value: Virtual worlds offer a rich immersive environment where anything you can imagine is possible. From training applications, to sales tools, to real-money commerce, virtual worlds offer a wealth of entrepreneurial opportunities. Get ready to embrace these brave new worlds, if you haven’t already!
Table of Contents:
- Opening Statement by San Murugesan (the Editor) 3
- 3D + 3C = “Real” Virtual Worlds by Yesha Sivan 6
- From 2D to 3D: Making the Transition from Web to Metaverse Retailing by Savvas Papagiannidis 14
- Virtual Worlds as Real-World Sales Tools by Matthew Ganis, Garrett Hall, and David McNeill 19
- World of Workcraft: Educating and Training “Digital Natives” by David C. Wyld 26
- Look Before You Leap: Issues and Challenges in Managing a Virtual-World Presence by Anjali Kaushik 32
About Cutter:
Cutter Consortium is a unique IT advisory firm, comprising a group of more than 150 internationally recognized experts who have come together to offer research, consulting, and training to our clients.
About Cutter Journal:
Part of Cutter Consortium’s mission is to foster the debate of, and dialogue on, the business technology issues challenging enterprises today, to help organizations leverage IT for competitive advantage and business success. Cutter’s philosophy is that most of the issues that managers face are complex enough to merit examination that goes beyond simple ronouncements. Founded in 1987 as American Programmer by Cutter Fellow Ed Yourdon, Cutter IT Journal is one of Cutter’s key venues for debate.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank Raz Hyperman, CIO of Direct Insurance, Israel; and Gil Bickel, CIO of SAP Labs Israel. Special thanks to my long-time friends at STKI (the Israeli affiliate of the Cutter Consortium), Dr. Jimmy Schwarzkopf, Research Fellow and Managing Partner; Galit Fein, VP and Senior Analyst; and Einat Shimoni, VP and Senior Analyst.
Hi,Thanks for sharing. The report was really interesting, and Cutter Consortium is truly unique indeed.—Yohan LaunayTechnology & Innovation Advisor