<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"We heard about the partnership between Microsoft and Dassault Systemes for the provision of new Virtual Earth tools when Microsoft revealed its latest string of updates for its live search applications.  The two companies have announced a few more details regarding this partnership, which is resulting in a feature called Virtual Earth 3DVIA.  \nYou'll be able to create 3D structures complete with textures and colors to be placed on a Virtual Earth map.  These maps can be shared online in a semi-social manner.  Tagging options let you mark real addresses and locale information, which in effect lets you merge its upgraded bird's-eye view options with 3D options.  Virtual Earth 3DVIA is currently being released in a testing phase in order to garner feedback for the next release.  \nCompeting with Google's 3D Warehouse, will we see integration of Virtual Earth 3DVIA in some online games, virtual worlds, and possibly aligned with an Xbox offering?  Google 3D Warehouse is already being used by Multiverse  for gaming options, as well as SceneCaster, which has also partnered with TurboSquid  in order to offer a wide variety of virtual 3D objects for the end users.\n[via  CNet]"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2007/10/19/microsoft-3diva-dassault-systemes/>