There are a number of ways that you can bring your organisation or business to Second Life.

1. DIY

The Second Life client software can be downloaded from the Second Life website at no cost. After this, you need to create an avatar (character) and adjust its body and clothing features to suit your requirements. You will then need to acquire some proficiency in navigation, communication and inventory management.

To create an office, you will need to purchase/rent some suitable land and learn basic building skills or purchase ready made buildings or commission custom made buildings which can cost upwards of £5000. Once the office is established it needs to be furnished with corporate furniture, signage and product/service information and with methods for interested parties to communicate with you.

Although this can be done on a limited financial budget, the time overhead can be significant.

2. Using a specialist design agency

There are a number of design agencies that specialise in 'major builds'. This would be where a company wishes to build an HQ flagship building probably on a private island, much like IBM and other major players. You would need a budget upwards of £40,000 and some agencies are quoting a 9 month waiting list. Although the finished product can be very attractive and awe inspiring, one of the problems of having your own island is that after the initial PR to announce the opening unless there are constant marketing initiatives, visitor numbers may diminish and the company could be looking at a very expensive white elephant/ghost town.

3. New Horizons Business Park

Award winning New Business Horizons, has created the 'Blue Horizon' virtual business park which offers companies the opportunity to enter Second Life quickly and at minimal cost (free set up, low monthly rent).

The park houses state-of-the-art conference and social facilities as well as stylishly designed business premises branded with each company's corporate colours, logos, posters, brochures, corporate videos, web links, etc.

The Blue Horizon business park helped New Business Horizons win the coveted 2008 'Best Use of Technology' award from East London Chamber of Commerce and Business/Docklands Business Club.

For more details about the Blue Horizon Business Park, see our Packaged Solution for a full description of our unique and cost effective service. Additionally, New Business Horizons, also undertakes bespoke Second Life projects.