Tuesday, November 25, 2003

The OpenPanorama organization is working to create a universal, non-proprietary file format for panoramas using XML. They state their goal for this standard as: "This is an open format capable of defining any panoramic image: software developers will be able to add support for OpenPanorama to their software, and create "point and click" programs to edit this format." The list of companies contributing to the project includes: GBA Groupe Conseil, ImmerVision, PanoGuide, iPIX, RealViz, Panavue, VirtualTour.com.au, and iseemedia. Opinion: I'm glad to see corporations in the panoramic business co-operating on a 360 standard. I'd like to see all the companies in the VR business go further and agree to a code of ethics based on competing fairly. When companies try to destroy each other by means other than competing with their products on a level playing field, customers lose out big time. Any industry beset by nasty tactics, astroturf compaigns, stalking, boycotts, and other fallout from crude attempts to kill competitors will repel potential customers and keep the market smaller than it would otherwise be. If companies succeed at thinning their competition, then photographers have fewer products to choose from. And monopolies are known for both driving up prices and stifling innovation. Regardless of the success of competition-eradicating efforts, that work could have been directed at making better products, making panoramic products more efficiently resulting in lower prices, marketing immersive imaging products to new customers, educating potential customers about the value of VR, or improving customer support. 7:00:00 AM

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