As predicted (CI No 3,457; 3,550), the membership of the VRML Consortium has ratified an expanded charter which includes multiple technologies for 3D on the internet. Until now the Consortium would only consider proposals based on the virtual reality modeling language (VRML). Now other technologies can be considered for standardization, which insiders say may even open the way for technologies as controversial as Microsoft’s undead Chromeffects. The new charter aims to create interoperating standards for specific market segments. Obviously, it calls for a change of name, so say hello to the Web3D Consortium. Platinum Technology, which now owns a significant slice of the VRML developer community, having acquired InterVista Software and Cosmo Software over the course of the year, declared its full support for the Web3D Consortium and the new charter.
