Business buys Auckland City

As the City of Sails prepares to host the Digital Future Summit over the coming days (November 28th, 29th), a Kiwi virtual reality pioneer has bought Auckland City in the virtual world Second Life.

LaunchSite, a virtual reality reseller and consultancy has taken this step to create a virtual innovation hub for Auckland’s new technology and communications companies.

LaunchSite Managing Director Pete Rive says he has already signed a number of key tenants for the virtual Auckland City which is an island on Second Life.

“Auckland City in Second Life will be a virtual meeting place for those companies wanting to collaborate and market their innovations,” says Mr Rive.

“We have companies building amazing world class technology and a presence in Second Life gives us all a chance to overcome the tyranny of distance and get closer to our customers without burning up carbon miles to get to them.”

To celebrate the launch of its high tech cluster in its virtual Auckland City, LaunchSite is hosting the Digital Future Summit on its island in Second Life.

The Summit is being organised by the New Zealand Government and will discuss its Digital Strategy as well as the plans and implications for New Zealand’s digital future.

The physical Digital Future Summit will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Auckland on November 28 and 29. The live event will simultaneously include the Second Life delegates who will be invited to participate in the Question & Answers sessions.

“For those who cannot attend in person, the summit on Second Life is a way to participate,” says Mr Rive.

To register for the Digital Futures Summit in Second Life, email your avatar's name, your real name, your business and time zone to Pete Rive. Places are limited.

About LaunchSite

LaunchSite is a virtual reality reseller and consultancy and was founded in 1999 by Pete Rive. LaunchSite specialises in establishing a business presence in virtual worlds and using them for marketing and knowledge management within the enterprise. LaunchSite is the agent for de pinxie a global leader in VR exhibitions, based in Belgium. It has consulted to Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide, Telecom NZ, Auckland City Council's Broadband Advisory Group, ARC's economic development agency - Auckland Plus, and the KAREN advanced research and education network.

On the Web at: http://www.launchsite.co.nz