ECS to Provide Virtual World technologies to NATO Allied Command Transformation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Mary Trier, 407-620-3357/Terri Bernhardt, 407-883-5181
ECS to Provide Virtual World technologies to NATO Allied Command Transformation
December 1, 2009, Orlando, Fla. Engineering and Computer Simulations (ECS) announced today their partnership with NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) to develop their Virtual Worlds using ECS’ Nexus Platform.
NATO’s Allied Command Transformation is changing the way NATO prepares and assists future decision makers and leaders to employ joint operational art, understand the common operational picture, respond innovatively, and adapt quickly to our adversaries. Virtual worlds are engaging, stimulating spaces that can augment and enhance the existing NATO ACT capabilities by allowing individuals and groups to meet online for a range of collaborative activities including meetings, lectures, collaborative discussions, virtual field trips, joint problem solving activities, guided practice simulations, exams, and labs.
The responsibility of delivering knowledge through virtual worlds will take on many forms, including education, training, learning, and human expertise. It is the goal of the NATO ACT to make this information available anytime and anywhere, using a state-of-the-art distribution process to match Virtual World experiences with individuals and groups to improve operational efficiency. The Nexus Virtual Worlds platform delivers collaborative 3D environments and applications that integrate with an organization’s existing technology infrastructure using common architectures, interfaces and specifications. This transcends the traditional boundaries of proprietary systems by providing a comprehensive environment for integrating new technology, tools and information and enables NATO Virtual Worlds to reach large numbers of people quickly, allow for the rapid tailoring of scenarios, and provides simulated experiences that transfer into critical thinking skills and high levels of performance.
NATO Virtual Worlds consist of learner-focused 3D environments linked together to allow users to interact with each other through representations of themselves called an avatar. Users from one nation may interact with users located across the globe through virtual worlds, virtual classrooms, and communities of practice. These interconnected realms incorporate NATO ACT specific instructional activities, content, and tools that allow public and private communication between individuals and groups while providing access to a blended curriculum. The curriculum uses virtual, avatar-based environments to provide both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities that employ various types of instruction that augment traditional methods of training. These 3D scenarios supplement traditional training methods by providing contextual 3D environments where war fighters can work together to practice and understand the concepts that are being taught.
Other successful programs Nexus has delivered include: The National Guard Bureau NGB), Joint Training Directorate (J7), Department of Homeland Security – Office of Infrastructure Protection, US Army RDECOM-Simulation Training Technology Center, US JFCOM Joint Knowledge Development & Distribution Capability and Defense Acquisition University.
About ECS
ECS is a software development and solutions company located in Orlando, Florida. The core mission of the organization is to provide advanced learning technology solutions to clients within the Commercial and Government sector. The company’s exponential growth is a direct reflection of the superior training and simulation products and services that are being delivered to ECS customers. In 2009, ECS was named on Inc. 500’s prestigious list, the Deloitte Fast 500, Washington Technology Fast 50, as well as several other awards.
