realXtend is an open source virtual worlds – immersive web platform.  The framework contains server and client software along with content creation tools.

One of the most important aspects of the realXtend framework is its scalability. Anyone can have a personal virtual space with typically only a couple of users, but it is also possible to create entire worlds for greater numbers of users. Instead of separate proprietary sites realXtend will make it possible to connect between the different worlds as easily as browsing web pages today, which will increase the popularity and usability of virtual reality above what is possible for any individual service provider alone.

The most important issue in creating smooth transitions between virtual realities is a global and secure avatar management system. The avatar is the user’s virtual representative, which can be used for a multitude of purposes. In realXtend the same avatar can be used in every virtual world, it will assist the user in communication tasks and possibly even be used for secure online transactions. The avatar services are also available for anyone to host themselves, there are no centralized or proprietary components in the framework.

RealXtend is a partnership company formed from Admino Technologies (now Evocativi Oy) and LudoCraft, two Finnish companies. They have developed an improved version of the Second Life(tm) viewer which can be downloaded here. Information on how to connect the RealXtend viewer is defined by the ModRex interface.

LudoCraft recently developed the Virtual Expo World which is provided by Tekes Spaces and Places Programme; my user name in the realXtend viewer to connect to the Authentication Server Home Grid is gigamon@world.virtualexpo.fi.