14 DAY TRIAL // A new project built on top of Microsoft’s Cloud platform can put users right on the runway next to a Boeing Next-Generation 737. Close enough to “touch” the aircraft. The “Boeing 737 Explained” Cloud experience running on Windows Azure was built by Microsoft and Wire Stone, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, with the Redmond company releasing a case study providing insight into the work done.
According to the software giant, in excess of 20,000 high-resolution photographs have been stitched together into a seamless 32-gigapixel image, offering access to the most minute details of the plane.
“Boeing 737 Explained provides a rich, compelling way for customers to view and understand the plane without needing to actually stand next to one,” Microsoft reveals.
“The tool runs on Windows 7 and is hosted on the Windows Azure cloud platform, using Microsoft Silverlight and Windows Touch technologies, providing users with a dynamic experience, whether viewing it with Microsoft Kinect on a cinema-size screen or Windows Phone.”
Usage of the Microsoft Silverlight Deep Zoom technology is what truly makes the “Boeing 737 Explained” experience immersive, enabling users to zoom in to great depth, but also to get the overall perspective over the plane, effortlessly.
The “Boeing 737 Explained” Cloud experience is the closest thing possible to taking people on the runway next to the plane in order to demo the aircraft. Only there’s no need to ever step foot on the tarmac when you’re flying in the Microsoft Cloud.
“We were looking for a new way to communicate the essence of the Boeing 737,” noted Diana Klug, director of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “737 Explained is one of the best marketing tools I’ve seen because it allows us to show prospective customers the new features and improvements without bringing them to an airport.”