Second Life fails to attract software developers

SANTA CRUZ, USA: While virtual 3-D worlds where avatars do everything from interact socially to build entire communities is a passion for millions, it may not be the place to create your next developer relations event, according to the just-released Developer Relations Program report from Evans Data Corporation (EDC).

Some software vendors have used environments like Second Life, the popular 3-D digital world, to host developer relations events only to find attendance disappointing. According to the report:

* Only 10 percent of respondents have attended a Second Life developer event.
* A majority – 56 percent – say they have no plans to participate in any virtual developer events in the future.

"Companies should focus on what works in terms of developer relations programs now," said John Andrews, president and CEO of Evans Data Corp. "While it's great to be creative and take advantage of the latest technology, such as 3D environments, the data shows that the market isn't quite there yet for serious training and events."

Other key facts brought out by report included information about paid developer program memberships:

* 47 percent of developers pay their own way
* 40 percent have their fees taken care of by the their employer
* 12 percent share the expense with a company subsidy

There are many developers that are interested in the virtual 3-D world, as 34 percent of respondents said they would attend a future Second Life event, just not any time soon.