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R3vis Corporation to Launch OpenRM, an Open Source Scene Graph API

Delivery of a long-anticipated cross-platform developer tool for high performance graphics applications bodes well for the computer graphics community and consumers alike.

http://www.r3vis.com/ - Dec 13, 1999 - In a move that has far-reaching implications for the computer graphics world, R3vis Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of OpenRM, an Open Source Scene Graph programming interface. Scene graph technology is widely used by graphics developers for describing and storing drawable objects, or scenes, inside a computer's memory. This technology is currently employed in such diverse applications as computer games, CAD/CAM, virtual reality and scientific visualization. OpenRM will enable developers to create applications for deployment on Unix, Linux, Windows and Apple platforms.

"We are excited to be the first vendor to transition a commercial grade, general purpose Scene Graph API into an Open Source project," says Wes Bethel, President and Chief Technology Officer of R3vis Corporation. "Because the scene graph is the 'clutch' between the application 'engine' and the graphics hardware 'transmission,' it is a critical infrastructure layer in graphics applications. Deployment of our RM Scene Graph product as the Open Source project, OpenRM, will serve to increase the overall technology base available to developers and users. From a technology perspective, ubiquitous scene graph tools that support features like image-based rendering and stereo displays are what is missing from the current array of developers tools. OpenRM also removes the intellectual property and economic burdens imposed by traditional software licensing."

Closed proprietary systems are one of the obstacles that have stood between the consumer and really usable 3D applications. The Open Source model is viewed by many as a way to increase the overall level of technology by fostering rapid, quality development. Open Source projects have produced such technologies as the web browser, the popular Linux operating system, and TCP/IP, the technology on which the Internet is based. "Our vision is that, as this technology becomes widely deployed, applications will become more sophisticated," continues Bethel. "For example, the Internet-based shopping experience will be more exciting for people when they can reach out and choose products while walking through a bazaar."

OpenRM will be released on March 1, 2000, and will be hosted by SourceForge.net at http://openrm.sourceforge.net/, a site sponsored by VA Linux of Sunnyvale, CA. Prior to the release of OpenRM, preliminary information and samples may be obtained from the R3vis.com web site. OpenRM will be released under the terms of the Mozilla Public License, which is widely accepted as being "friendly" to both Open Source developers and commercial entities since it places no restrictions on commercial use of the Open Source technology yet preserves the Open Source heritage of the project.

R3vis Corporation is located in Novato, California and is focused on high performance graphics and visualization software technology. R3vis will continue to offer a commercial version of OpenRM, known as RM Scene Graph, as well as consulting and media services related to OpenRM and RM Scene Graph. RM Scene Graph offers specialized features that add value to the OpenRM base.

RM and RM Scene Graph are registered trademarks of R3vis Corporation.