SYSTEMS

Second Life's First Fortune 500 Press Conference, Hosted by Sun Chief Researcher John Gage: Sun Microsystems, global technology leader and creator of the Solaris Operating System (Solaris OS), launched its presence in the virtual world Second Life, becoming the first Fortune 500 firm to hold an 'in-world' press conference at the opening of the company's new virtual Sun Pavilion. The event was hosted by Sun Chief Researcher John Gage, the well-known pioneer of online education and a leader in science and technical policy. Second Life is a key example of what Sun is calling the Participation Age, and the next evolution of the network as the computer. Gage, appearing in avatar form, discussed the purpose and goals of Sun's foray into Second Life. He pointed to the opportunities for experimentation with new forms of communication, collaboration and economic activity in the virtual world as a driver behind the creation of Sun's new facility. Chris Melissinos, Sun's chief gaming officer, also spoke during the event. Afterwards, attendees were able to tour the Sun Pavilion, which includes an outdoor theater, meeting spaces, and kiosks that exhibit videos highlighting recent Sun innovations, events and Sun customer projects. "Second Life is creating new possibilities for communication, sharing and community-building -- all principles which have guided Sun since our founding," said Gage. "I see virtual worlds like this one as the next evolution of 'The Network is The Computer.' Second Life is a community built entirely on participation, and while this is still an experiment for us, we're jumping into Second Life with both feet because we see the online world's unlimited potential for collaboration on everything from social issues to Java technology development." Philip Linden, the avatar of Philip Rosedale, CEO of Linden Lab, the company behind Second Life, joined Gage and Melissinos on stage during their talk. "Given the range of Sun's initiatives and the diversity of its audiences, Second Life is an ideal platform," said Philip Rosedale, CEO of Linden Lab. "Whether it's reaching out to Java technology developers or teaching engineers and technical staffs about Sun's products, Sun's new home in Second Life provides an forum unbounded by geography." To go directly to the Sun Pavilion, paste the following URL into a web browser or simply click on the link: its Web site