Is Microsoft preparing to build a 3D virtual world on top of its Virtual Earth mapping and location platform? Well, truth be told, this scenario is not as far-fetched as it might seem initially. Online hotspots, such as Second Life, are delivering virtual worlds complete with societies and functional economies. And Microsoft's Virtual Earth might offer the same in the coming future. A 3D Virtual Earth universe could be in the making, courtesy of Caligari Corp. Caligari is best known for its 3D modeling and animation work, and trueSpace is an illustrative example. As of February 6, 2008, Caligari has joined Microsoft's Virtual Earth.

"I am pleased to announce that Caligari Corp has become a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation. Specifically we will be working with the Virtual Earth team which is in the process of building out an immersive 3D Web experience," revealed Roman Ormandy, Caligari Chief Executive Officer. "You know me and my ambitions for trueSpace and web-based 3D collaboration. Let me tell you right away that there were no compromises I had to make to accommodate our vision within the Virtual Earth platform, in fact I was challenged to increase the scope of our vision. I talked to many people at Virtual Earth group and I am convinced that the technical team behind Virtual Earth has a significant, long-term commitment to the 3D Web."

Whether Microsoft will offer an equivalent of Second Life on top of the Virtual Earth platform, it still remains to be seen. By all means, the Redmond company has failed to indicate such a course of action. The only indication was given by Ormandy's immersive 3D Web experience. In the last 27TB update to Virtual Earth this January, Microsoft did add 3D models of U.S. cities. Now, in the future, there is no reason why users will not be able to have Virtual Earth digital alter egos exploring the cities, setting up shops, dealing with real estate, or simply engaging in social networking.

"TrueSpace and TruePlace, two of Caligari's premium products, have a lot in common with SecondLife, a virtual world I've been active in for the past two years. That's one of the main reasons why I am so very excited to have this knowledge on board. I really hope we're going to maximize this and take a few more steps in the direction of our own virtual world. But that's just me, dreaming out loud. The one thing we're sure of right now is that when you hit the 3D button on Live Maps, for the deployed regions you'll see Caligari's technology at work already," said Miel Van Opstal, Enthusiast Evangelist Microsoft.