Originally posted by: TonyPearson

Well, it's Tuesday, and that means announcements! Today, IBM Systems and Technology Group launches its Virtual Briefing Center (VBC) located at [http://ibm-vbc.centers.ihost.com/]!

At this point, you might ask "What do you mean by Virtual Briefing Center?"

First, I must mention that this new VBC is not in [Second Life] as you might expect. Since IBM's [initial foray into Second Life] back in 2006, IBM has continued its investment and exploration into this new technology. IBM [launched various areas] in this virtual world platform. Some of you might remember the IBM [Virtual Business Center] I helped launch back in 2007. Last year, IBM announced it was [Doubling Down its investment in Second Life]. The impressive Return on Investment (ROI) has converted many IBMers into [Virtual World Believers]. Of course, IBM might incorporate aspects of Second Life into this VBC sometime in the future, as we grow this concept forward.

Instead, the new VBC was designed to supplement in-person briefings, maintained by technical folks like myself who are part of the physical briefing centers. The site has four major sections:

Resource Center

This section features presentations for the five product lines and eight solution areas. The voiced-over presentations are recorded as flash videos.

SME Forum

Dozens of subject matter experts (SME) are contributing to this site with their own voices, blogs, presentations and videos. If you have been to a briefing center recently, you might recognize some familiar faces.

Scheduling and Planning

The VBC can also help plan and schedule for online and in-person visits. Not familiar with IBM's products and solutions? The VBC can help you get familiar before your briefing. Interested in discussing more about a particular topic? The VBC can identify webinars and briefings that you can attend. Already attended an IBM briefing in person and now you want to share the excitement with your colleagues back in the office? Use the VBC to help share your knowledge with others.

Briefing Centers

Not sure which briefing center to visit? Systems and Technology Group has 13 of them worldwide, and this section describes each one.

The VBC is available worldwide to all companies looking to buy IBM products and solutions, as well as IBM Business Partners and sales reps. Check it out!

technorati tags: IBM, Virtual Briefing Center