Forterra Systems, whose OLIVE platform is used to develop business and academic virtual worlds, has launched developer programs designed to enable consultants, system integrators, resellers, independent partners and education and business organizations to work with its platform, including a price-adjusted model aimed at production deployments for a smaller user group.

Forterra will offer three different programs focused on training, product development, testing, demo, prototype and pilot for stakeholders ahead of production deployment -- the Basic, Standard and Premium programs also include a non-production developer license of OLIVE that works over a LAN, WAN, and the Internet. Additionally, each package includes various 3D content assets from existing packs. Forterra can also host the development server.

The Forterra Developer Programs are tiered to adjust the support services and benefits according to the company's investment and relationship with Forterra. Tools and resources available through the Developer Programs include: education, developer services, technical support, hosting, account management, and marketing. Forterra adds it has invested heavily in support, training, and documentation services to assist its customers and partners. Learning technology company Vcom3D is one of Forterra's early development partners, and is using OLIVE to develop multi-lingual, culture-specific, virtual communicator characters for situation-based learning.

“The 3D Internet is a disruptive force of change that is transforming how businesses, the public sector, and educational institutions train, research, practice, and collaborate,” said Dave Rolston, Forterra’s CEO. “Our Developer Programs and new pricing allow our customers and partners to participate in this powerful market trend more easily through the creation, delivery, and marketing of 3D content, value-add plug-ins, and complete applications based on the OLIVE platform. The Developer Programs are designed to provide cost effective means to develop and pilot a 3D application, and to accelerate time-to-production. Our goal is to create a vibrant partner ecosystem and marketplace of industry specific, serious virtual world solutions that benefit our customers, and provide new revenue and profit streams for our partners.”