July 29, 2002 - Paris, France

For Immediate Release -
Category : Software / Interactive 3D Applications

Virtools™ Releases The Virtools Multiuser Pack

Virtools™, the leading provider of 3D interactive media authoring tools, launches an additional module of Virtools Dev 2.1 for creating powerful multiuser applications.

Paris, France - July 29, 2002 - The Virtools™ Multiuser Pack helps developers create multiuser applications based on a high performance networking engine, accessed through Virtools renowned behavior building blocks. Once again, Virtools provides rapid access to sophisticated technology, allowing developers to concentrate on providing compelling shared-experience 3D applications with game-like interactivity.

As the internet generates more and more interactions among remote individuals, the video game market, the first to develop multiuser applications, follows the same route - almost all current video games are released in multiplayer versions. In other industries, companies are increasingly focused on developing multiuser applications that bring people together for work or play. Multiuser applications can improve efficiency by creating collaborative workspaces for easier exchanges between local and remote team members or by creating simulations to train workers in otherwise costly or potentially hazardous environments.

But development for multiuser applications is difficult and demands specialized programming skills, so companies need an effective means of keeping projects easy to manage with shorter development cycle and lower costs.

Now, with the launch of the Virtools Multiuser Pack, developers can quickly and easily create both persistent and ad-hoc multiuser applications simultaneously for several platforms (Mac, PC, Xbox). Virtools solved many of the annoying problems that make multiuser applications such a challenge to develop, leaving developers free to concentrate on creating interactive multiuser 3D content instead of worrying about network protocols and the underlying infrastructure. Depending on the type of multiuser application, the Virtools Multiuser Pack provides for two different types of servers - the Virtools Behavioral Server or Peer Server.

"The addition of a multiuser module in our development arsenal meets strong market demands and strengthens Virtools' position as the best and most versatile development solution for creating interactive applications" says Stéphane Dupasquier, VP Product Manager at Virtools.

For more information: http://www.virtools.com/solutions/products/virtools_multiuser.asp

About Virtools™ Dev 2.1

About Virtools™

Founded in 1993, Virtools S.A. is the leading provider of 3D interactive media authoring tools - Virtools' mission is to enhance clients' business performance. Using advanced real-time 3D content development tools and proven production processes, Virtools is a market leader in delivering high quality, efficient, cost-effective business solutions for e-learning, e-marketing and game markets, for the web or CD-ROM. 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 3D applications.

More information at: http://www.virtools.com

Press contacts

Julie Ercolani
Virtools SA
93 rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
Tel: +33 1 42 71 46 86
Email: ercolani@virtools.com