August 14, 2001 - Los Angeles, California - For Immediate Release -

EDF chooses Virtools™ for e-learning applications with game-like interactivity

Virtools today announced that its interactive 3D technology has been chosen by EDF R&D to create e-learning applications. The training programs simulate operating procedures in nuclear power plants, and in particular the handling of polar cranes for reactor buildings.

The totality of EDF's nuclear systems are equipped with polar cranes for operating all machinery, such as vessel covers, exchangers, motor interiors and other materials like containers. With this in mind, EDF identified training needs to keep their polar cranes up and running correctly and efficiently.

Designed for workers in the reactor buildings, the e-learning program addresses the following training goals:

• Learn basic principles guiding VEVEY and EIFFEL polar cranes and the specific operations procedures they entail.
  
• Detect malfunctions and relay the context and full report for service maintenance.
  
• Facilitate reliable communication between operators and supervisors.
  

The interactive 3D environment for the polar crane simulation program was developed with Virtools' technology, based on a 3D CAD model of the Gravelines Nuclear Plant.

Virtools' solutions are used to make interactive applications by graphically applying behaviors to 3D objects and characters in an intuitive graphical user interface.

Virtools' behavior engine made it possible to create 8 character models, including a 3D avatar as the reactor building supervisor complete with 40 impressive and technically flawless animations.

"From start to finish, we received reactive, quality technical support from Virtools. That's a decisive factor in successfully completing innovative, technically advanced projects like this one," said Alain Schmid, EDF project manager.


About Virtools™

Founded in 1993, Virtools™ enables Global 2000 companies and their integrators, as well as game studios, to develop and deploy 3D applications with game-like interactivity. Costs and timeframes are kept under control through a scalable set of software and server-based solutions that reduce the risks associated with developing interactive applications.

Intel and France Telecom are among the growing number companies that have benefited from Virtools technology. Using Virtools, clients reduce development costs and increase interactivity. Virtools software is used by online and offline game development studios such as: Disney Imagineering, Havas Interactive, Acclaim, Microïds, and Terratools.


About EDF

With 31 million customers in France and sales revenue of over 34 billion Euros (including 23% outside France) for a power output of nearly 470 billion kWh and investments abroad, the EDF Group (Electricité de France) is one of the world's leading energy groups.

For more information, visit www.edf.fr/htm/en.

Contacts:
Alexandra Fruchou
fruchou@virtools.com

Virtools
93, rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
France
Tel: (+33) 1 42 71 46 86
Fax: (+33) 1 42 71 86 53


Press:
Tukilik - Migé Gauchet
mgauchet@tukilik.com
Tel: (+33) 1 56 80 11 50