Vircom's E-maginer Online lets ISP customers create their own 3D, multi-user online websites. Vircom itself runs two online massively multiplayer Role Playing Games (mmRPGs) called The 4th Prophecy and Black Moon Chronicles.

by Wayne Kawamoto [November 16, 2001]

Vircom Inc., a developer of Internet infrastructure server solutions and value-added content, recently announced the launch of E-maginer Online, a new tool that lets ISP customers create their own multi-user 3D websites. Developed by parent company Cryonetworks, E-maginer Online lets ISPs and ASPs offer their customers the ability to create personal, multi-user 3D websites based on a selection of up to 14 pre-built 3D worlds that revolve around various themes such as sports, entertainment, games and chat communities.

Vircom says that E-magineer acts as a catalyst to encourage greater customer loyalty and stickiness by letting consumers create personal 3D worlds where multiple users can interact in real time. According to Vircom, consumers perform no programming and don't have to install any software, other than a small plug-in, and may simply go online to a service provider's website and choose from a selection of pre-made 3D environments. If desired, customers can make changes to textures, colors, and images in the 3D environments of their Web pages.

E-maginer Online says that its websites offer a first person perspective as visitors "walk" through a 3D environment as a personalized avatar, a 3D representation in the form of a web cam snap shot, or personal graphic. Visitors interact by chatting via text, video, or audio, or all three. Also, video files can also be uploaded and played on a screen in the 3D environment. According to the company, consumers can set up a personal 3D world where up to ten visitors may join simultaneously to chat, play games, listen to music, exchange data, and create fan site communities. Service providers may increase the number of multi-users supported depending on clients' needs and subscription package.

"This is such innovative content that this will dramatically alter everyone's web experience," said Bertrand Houle, vice-president, sale and marketing at Vircom. "As service providers continually seek fresh content to attract customers and reduce churn, E-maginer Online opens up a whole new web concept with unlimited creative opportunities for customers and increased revenue for providers."

Screenshot from Vircom's Black Moon

"E-maginer Online is intended to attract customers, foster newfound loyalty via 3D community building and, most importantly, generate new sources of revenue," said Houle. "A far cry from bland 2D web hosting, this unique concept empowers customers to create multi-user, multi-media 3D websites for anything from chat communities to business environments. It's a win-win scenario for everyone involved."

To see Vircom's games, check them out here: The 4th Prophecy or Black Moon Chronicles. A screenshot from Black Moon Chronicles is shown above.

Availability and pricing
Vircom offers E-maginer Online to ISPs/ASPs in various bundles in addition to a server license based on the number of supported simultaneous online users.

There are three pricing models: 1) a standard subscription model—6 months to 1 year; 2) Complete package model; and 3) Complete package under revenue share model. Prices include installation and technical support.

1) Standard Licensing Subscription—$18,000 per 12 months or $10,000 per 6 months. Includes a Multi-World 100 User License—2 Worlds. Additional Worlds are $5000 USD each.

2) Complete Package—$60,000 with a Multi-World 500 User License covering 14 Worlds

3) Revenue share model—subject to negotiation.

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