Meeting in virtual space – this is not only relevant in gaming. Metaverse projects are also becoming more and more popular in the professional field. However, the fear of technology is often still great. But some software providers offer an easy entry into the metaverse with their tools.
For many gamers, virtual reality (VR) has already become an integral part of the gaming experience and augmented reality (AR) is increasingly being used in online retail. Mixed reality rounds off the range of virtual offerings, mixing the virtual extension of the real world with a fully virtual dimension. The pinnacle is the Metaverse – a term that’s on everyone’s lips thanks to Mark Zuckerberg’s presentation last fall. A metaverse, as proclaimed by the Facebook founder, will not exist in the next few years; but metaverse as a collective term for digital, three-dimensional worlds is already playing an increasingly important role. More and more companies are driving digitalization forward, using VR – not least because of the experiences in the corona pandemic:
Unclear usability causes reservations
But quite a few companies are still expressing concerns about the new technology. Precisely because it is so innovative, the usability is not clear to many users. Older groups in particular do not find access as quickly as younger ones who have already gained experience with VR in gaming. VR glasses are also not yet widespread and not as easy to handle as a smartphone. VR glasses and VR headsets certainly offer the best virtual experience, but they are not a mandatory requirement for the use of the technology: VR can also be used as web 3D on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Users only need a browser for this.
In order to create such 3D worlds, a software solution is required that first creates the scenery; this can be a factory hall or a trade fair building. A content management system – similar to that of a website – can be used to place different content in the scenery in the backend. Certain software solutions now also enable users to enter content live in the 3D world. This offers the advantage that companies can maintain their 3D worlds themselves and work independently of the provider and its backend. The biggest hurdle is basically the data preparation of the products. This is because the existing product data is usually not 3D-optimized and therefore cannot be used without further ado. However, service providers provide support and prepare the existing data accordingly.
Ideally, such a software solution is cloud-based. For companies, this offers a whole range of advantages:
First of all, the management effort for the system is low, companies do not have to provide their own resources for the maintenance of the system. Updates are installed regularly, data security is always guaranteed. Medium-sized companies in particular cannot afford to operate their own data center and cannot guarantee professionalism when it comes to security. Cloud-based software requires hardly any hardware investments and offers the greatest possible flexibility – payment is based on use. The handling is also flexible: Access to such a solution is via the browser, so it is low-threshold and basically possible from any location and via any authorized device.
Virtual showrooms, trade fairs, training courses, and collaborations
The technology is used, for example, in virtual showrooms where companies present their products on an extended level. These offer the advantage that customers do not have to travel, but can get to know the product not only as a photo or video presentation. Rather, they can interact with the product in a virtual space, for example by looking inside machines. Complete trade fairs or events are also an interesting area of application for VR and represent an extended offer to the showroom. Trade fairs that are permanently available to customers on the company website or classic events with different speakers and stands are conceivable.
Companies can also use the metaverse for internal purposes: Virtual collaborations take internal teams to the next level. Instead of employees meeting in video conferences or working together on digital boards, they jump into a virtual world as an avatar and work together there. As an avatar, they can interact with their colleagues, throw presentations on the wall or work together on a whiteboard. Another internal use of VR is in training courses for employees and customers: whether virtual safety training courses or training sessions on individual work steps – employees can learn virtually, independent of time and location, and repeat the training as often as necessary.
The visual quality of such metaverse offers is becoming increasingly important for companies. The virtual worlds should become increasingly realistic and no longer look like gimmicks. Enterprise customers in particular have high-quality requirements for the display and demand a certain standard of realism. Software for creating metaverse projects should meet these expectations.
Hardly any hurdles when introducing the software
There are hardly any technical hurdles when introducing cloud-based software since access can be via the browser. However, many companies would like the system to be integrated into their own secure network. The employees then only have to log into the network once and can then access all systems – including the one for creating VR projects. The software solution should therefore be easy to integrate.
The bigger hurdle to overcome is the human factor. The users must be trained in the system and their fear of the technology must be taken away. Service providers provide support here with training for all employees or for special power users, who then train other people. First experiences have shown that it is not the learned walking and acting in the 3D world that is difficult, but rather adjusting your own microphone correctly – a problem that has to be solved from time to time, even for normal video conferences.
Conclusion
Metaverse projects are not only interesting as a gimmick for private use but also offer companies professional application options for showrooms, trade fairs and events, virtual collaborations, and training. With cloud-based software, the creation of such projects is very easy and the barriers to entry are low.
