 | Act 221 Company Shines, Journalists and Camera Operators Have Fun February 1 2009 “Matrix” moments were everywhere at Atlantis Cyberspace’s preview of its new virtual reality high tech training system. Hawaii Army National Guardsmen demoed the dazzling “in the moment” technology. Outfitted in high tech vests, helmets and weapons, Guardsmen walked down virtual deserted alleys and searched empty buildings from POD platforms connected to the latest simulation technology. Then they got to replay what they did and see how they could have done better. SFC Mark Dela Cruz, a Kauai native and Guard veteran who teaches military leadership, says the cutting edge technology forces you to “communicate and act with the team,” and that training “will save lives.” Its application is huge—and global. It’s also good for tight budgets. “You don’t have to travel somewhere to train, are not dependent on the weather,” says SFC dela Cruz. “You can be on different islands and still train together.” While it takes training to another level, seeing the system in action sends a strong branding message for the Guard as well: We are cutting edge. We are investing in your safety. Media and online videos are helping to deliver the message. Atlantis Cyberspace is one of Hawai‘i’s qualified high technology companies connected to the tax incentive, Act 221. It is because of this incentive that companies like these are able to carve out an existence in Hawaii, employ folks at good wages and draw international attention to our status as a tech-friendly state. The clips below provide a compelling visual for the benefits of Act 221. Atlantis Cyberspace, Inc. (ACI) dazzled the media and its own investors with its cutting edge virtual reality training technology. Designers led us “virtually” down alleys and into buildings in high tech gear demoed by the Hawaii National Guard, then projeted it on multiple computer screens. The state-of-the-art system allows teams on the ground to rehearse, improve skills–and save lives. Honolulu-based ACI is ground zero for the very latest in simulated training technology for the military. It means that soldiers (and other first responders) can rehearse in a realistic simulated environment–and learn from it. “It will save lives,” says ACI CEO Laurent Scallie. The system is demoed by members of the Hawaii Army National Guard–ACI’s first US militay client. “Head down the alley.” “Open the door on the right.” “What do you see?” For the first time, teams of individuals can practice skills or run operations in a “virtually” real environment. Police, fire fighters, first responders and others can use it too. If it feels like a huge 3D video game–that’s because it’s based on the latest gaming technology. Hawaii 29th Infantry Brigade will soon have the most advance training technology on the planet. The virtual training simulator will give soldiers–and others–a feel for real life. It will save lives. And, it was developed here in Honolulu wth the help of Act 221 investment tax credits. “We wouldn’t be here without it,” says Laurent Scallie of Atlantis Cyberscpace, Inc. The potential is huge–and global. Not every technology story comes with such cool visuals. Because this company took advantage of its “photo opp,” they will dominate visual media for as long as they choose to invite journalists to document and have fun participating in demonstrations. Last week’s press release about Atlantis Cyberspace and the demonstration with the National Guard below: Act 221 company helps save lives — (Honolulu, HI—January 29, 2009) Atlantis Cyberspace, Inc. (ACI) will have a media preview tomorrow of the latest high-tech virtual-reality training technology designed for military and security personnel. An open house for investors and stakeholders follows. (Friday, January 30, 1-2 pm (media tour); 2-6 pm (open house) at 934 Pumehana Street, Honolulu, Hawaii). “This technology allows soldiers, swat teams, police, firemen, security personnel and really anyone to train … on the ground in a multi-user immersive virtual reality environment,” says Laurent Scallie, CEO of ACI. It is particularly useful in highly complex urban settings. ACI, a world leader in virtual training simulation systems, is scheduled to deliver its state-of-the-art system, called the Immersive Group Simulator™ (IGS™), to the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Hawaii National Guard in February. Atlantis Cyberspace is a high tech company that benefited from Act 221, Hawaii’s high technology investment tax credit. Founded in 1999, ACI raised more than $8 million through Act 221 and is now the world’s leading developer of training simulation systems. The delivery of the ACI IGS™ system to Hawaii Army National Guard will be the first deployment to the U.S. military. The system is already in use by Canadian Forces to better train troops, increase mission effectiveness and save lives. “ACI is a stellar example of an Act 221 company doing breakthrough research and development resulting in technological advancements with profound potential,” said Rob Robinson, director of Hawaii Angels and managing partner of Kolohala Venture Fund. Both Hawaii Angel members and Kolohala have invested in ACI for several years as the company met growth targets and began working with clients. ACI’s partner on this program is Akimeka, LLC, which served as contract prime and provided the contract vehicle and local operations support. About the Immersive Group Simulator™ (IGS)™: Already in use by the Canadian Forces, the IGS™ is the world’s first truly fully immersive virtual simulation solution for the collective group training of dismounted soldiers. The IGS™ combines the realistic effects of next-generation game technologies with advanced 3D virtual reality technology to produce a complete turnkey training simulation system. The IGS™ product video is available at http://aci-sim.com/cv.html About Atlantis Cyberspace, Inc. (ACI): ACI is a recognized leader in virtual reality training simulations, particularly in dismounted, highly complex urban environments. For more information contact ACI CEO Laurent Scallie at l.scallie@aci-sim.com(808) 780-7187 www.aci-sim.com / http://atlantiscyberspace.com/ Kayleen Polichetti |
