Metia builds virtual events platform for Microsoft global product launches and conferences

22.02.08 - Metia has designed, developed and deployed a virtual events platform, called the Virtual Launch Experience (VLE), for Microsoft Corporation.

The virtual events platform allows audiences around the world to participate in Microsoft’s key product launches and customer conferences through a rich and immersive online experience, featuring live video and a range of other interactive features. Anyone wanting a preview or to pre-register should go to www.microsoft.com/virtualevents.

The platform is being used to support Microsoft’s 2008 LaunchWave – the simultaneous global launch of Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008, taking place on February 27^th 2008. To demonstrate the capabilities of these products, VLE uses each of them, together with Microsoft Silverlight and Expressions Blend, in a demanding live environment.

Andrew Martin, Head of Metia Software comments:  “VLE allows you to easily find and gather together the information that most interests you, to explore at your own pace, to hear from partners, attend keynotes, visit communities, or sit in on breakout sessions.”

“In addition to dramatically increasing the potential audience for its launch events, Microsoft expects to realize significant economies of scale through a reduced cost per attendee, while also limiting the carbon footprint caused by the growth of its live events. This approach definitely has the potential to revolutionize live conferences and events, both for corporations and commercial conference companies.”