IBM and Forterra Systems are working together on a unified communications solution it's calling "Babel Bridge," with the aim of creating a common collaboration system for U.S. intelligence agencies to use for virtual world communications.

The two companies have entered into an agreement that will match up Forterra's OLIVE platform with IBM's Lotus Sametime software, as well as its Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC2) platform. They're hoping to open windows on the display and discussion of multiple data forms in parallel -- including documents, graphic displays, and human expertise -- via Internet and mobile connectivity.

The two companies note the frustration U.S. government agencies encounter in dealing with multiple procedures and communications systems at once, and these efforts are aimed at enabling them to share information for planning and real-time action in support of U.S. interests such as the War on Terror. IBM and Forterra will be cooperating with MI5, the FBI and local ground operatives, who are already using OLIVE's virtual reality capabilities to practice anti-terror operations.

Under the terms of the agreement, Forterra will deliver plug-ins to the Lotus Sametime platform and integration to the IBM Lotus Notes calendar that allow users to access, schedule and launch meetings in the virtual world. Forterra will also embed services like presence and location information, document, whiteboard, and application sharing from the Lotus Sametime platform into the virtual world with the goal of enabling faster collaboration and information sharing.

Bruce Morse, VP of IBM Unified Communications and Collaboration, commented, "The true value of UC2 is realized when multiple collaboration capabilities are well integrated within a business task or process — like bringing several organizations together to share, review, approve and take immediate actions for national security. Managing communication and collaboration effectively within business processes can make all the difference between the success and failure of critical projects."