Like many core SL users, the OpenSpace fiasco inspired us to look around seriously at alternatives to relying solely upon Linden Lab. The OpenSim software, which is open source and free, seemed worthy of review as we could reuse our existing SL inventory and we hear that IBM and Microsoft are starting to contribute code and actually using the software somehow.

We have been testing the OpenSim software on our own very own Rezzable Private Grid Alpha (not associated with any other opengrid) for the last 2 months or so and I wanted to share some notes about what we have find out. Big thanks to the OpenSim code gurus Stefan and Darren over at Tribal Media who supported us on this test and are currently continuing to maintain our Private Grid with us.

For me, 2009  is a year of high resolutions.  One such new years resolution is to think outside the box -- those who know me may not think this is much of a stretch.

True enough, but I will be thinking outside of the Second Life grid. I am joining the Rezzable Private Grid,  in a plan to expand my horizons and technology to make my art multi-versal -- portable oddness!

We need seed collaborators in our wild ride -- what odd bits can you bring to the out-of-the-box sandbox?

Although few things reached ultimate perfection yet on what is OpenSim and thus our Rezzable Private Grid Alpha - the question is, can that ever, with constantly evolving technology and knowledge - 'the view' is definitely as stunning as 'elsewhere' when the right content has arrived. Take for example this lovely scenery, with Snowy Hoobinoo's  'out of the ordinary' virtual foliage and Evad Babii's beautiful lighthouse in the back. Shot at Sandbox #3. Now you can argue that WindLight will make everything beautiful, but this was definitely a stunning sight.

Rezzable is proud to announce the opening of our 'Rezzable Alpha Grid' - based on the OpenSim system - for testing by our fellow virtual world citizens, and invite you to take part in it. Currently we are running eight sims, including a replica of Greenies Home and a bunch of empty ones with plywood in them. Our stress tests will take place at Greenies OpenSim Home and takes the form of a giant party, with host Angelina Rhode. (Yeah, we've duplicated her too! ;)) Theme: Find the 7 Differences. Dates are Wednesday December 17th and Thursday December 18th starting 1PM SLT.

Read on: How to Register, How to Log In and err... How to Party!

Linden Lab has destroyed credibility with its latest surprise announcement to "jack-up" the prices on more than 50% of the grid's monthly fees. They claim their own incompetence in setting the void sim ("openspaces") features and their own mis-management as justification to bring monthly tier fees from $USD75 to $USD125. This poorly considered annoucement will send the hardcore SLers into panic. New landowners will feel very betrayed.  Frankly this step looks like suicide for Second Life.

IBM is making a virtual world for design research for Fashion Research Institute (FRI) using a combo of Second Life and OpenSim:

This first-of-a-kind system will allow fashion and consumer packaging designers to access and use 3-D tools with the Second Life client interface. In addition it will also connect to the OpenSim virtual world platform to create packaging and fashion products, provide efficient workflow queues, and allow groups with an interest in the product to collaborate and modify designs.