January 19, 2005– Paris, France

For Immediate Release
Category: Interactive 3D Applications / Technology

Virtools™ announces the release of its new Add-on Package, Virtools CAD Pack

Paris, January 19, 2005 - Virtools™, the leading provider of interactive 3D media authoring tools, is proud to announce the release of Virtools CAD Pack, the new bridge between CAD modeling and Virtools Dev.

Based on Right Hemisphere's Deep Exploration 3D format conversion technology, Virtools CAD Pack now makes it possible to convert Catia, Pro/ENGINEERS, Unigraphics, Solidworks and other industry-standard CAD models into Virtools.

The new Virtools CAD Pack add-on module not only converts CAD models into Virtools' .nmo file format but also offers valuable optimization resources. The CAD Pack opens new doors for CAD users who want to take advantage of real-time 3D and the interactivity made possible with Virtools Software Suite.

With the CAD Pack, Virtools clearly positions itself as a booster for CAD and industrial markets, thanks to the company's substantial experience with interactivity for real-time 3D. Virtools CAD Pack is now the pivotal starting point for industrial developers, enabling them to create seamless VR/Simulation projects such as collaborative product and design reviews, simulation-based training, and mission planning applications.

Making the most of Deep Exploration's capabilities for handling multiple file formats, geometry correction, intelligent polygon reduction and more, Virtools CAD Pack considerably facilitates the conversion and preparation process so models can be used optimally with Virtools Software Suite. Virtools CAD Pack capabilities include the following features:

• Import any file format and maintain model hierarchy
• Optimize models for real-time 3D
• Re-use Virtools files with other platforms
• Improve workflow thanks to batching
  

"Virtools provides an amazing interactive 3D and simulation toolset and environment. Right Hemisphere's Deep Exploration and Deep Server let manufacturers save time by enabling enterprise wide access to CAD data for downstream use, and when combined with Virtools Software Suite, offers a complete pipeline for creating interactive 3D training and simulation applications," commented Michael Lynch, CEO, Right Hemisphere.

"Right Hemisphere sees Virtools as a leader in the 3D visual communication market and we are pleased to be supporting them with the CAD Pack product line. The combination of Right Hemisphere's multi-format translation technology combined with Virtools flexible authoring system and its state of the art 3d render engine is a powerful combination for anyone interested in product communications," added Mark Thomas, President and CTO, Right Hemisphere.

About the Virtools™ Software Suite

Built around Virtools' flagship product, Virtools Dev, the Virtools Software Suite is currently one of the most comprehensive and competitive development solutions around in terms of functionality and performance. The Virtools Software Suite is comprised of Virtools Dev 3.0 and its add-on packs which include Virtools Physics Pack, Virtools AI Pack, Virtools Server, Virtools VR Pack, Virtools Xbox Kit and Virtools CAD Pack.

Thanks to the Dev core platform and Add-on Packages, Virtools Software Suite provides a global, cost-effective development environment. Virtools Physics Pack incorporates the laws of physics to give 3D objects realistic behavior, Virtools Server enables the creation of shared environments and dynamic deployment of interactive content, Virtools AI Pack allows clients to create intelligent autonomous characters, and Virtools VR Pack lets users create and experience 3D worlds on multiple screens with a wide range of input devices and PC clustering capabilities.

For more information, go to http://www.virtools.com/solutions/products/virtools_dev.asp

About Virtools™

Virtools launched its commercial activities in 1993 with consulting and services targeting interactive real-time 3D. With vital industry needs in mind, Virtools built the company's initial software solution, Virtools Dev. As an Independent Software Vendor since Q4 1999, Virtools has become the leading provider of comprehensive software development solutions for building innovative, highly interactive 3D content.

With several thousands of users throughout the world, the Virtools Software Suite enables prototyping, development and deployment of offline and online/networked video games, along with applications in the fields of industrial simulation/virtual reality and marketing/multimedia.

Virtools clients include industry leaders such as Procter & Gamble, EDF, EADS, CEA, CNRS, France Telecom, Matsushita, American Department of Energy, Intel, Publicis Networks/Renault, Arte TV and L'Oréal, as well as major game studios such as Electronic Arts, Microïds, Sony Computer Entertainment, Microsoft, Warner Bros Online, Blue Fang Games and Ubisoft.

Among its VR/Simulation partners, Virtools counts Barco, Orad, HP, Nvidia, Intersense, Ascension Technologies and Advanced Realtime Tracking.

For more information, visit www.virtools.com

Press contacts

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