Sapphire Technologies launches virtual HQ

Media release
17 July 2007

Sapphire Technologies launches virtual HQ in Second Life

Sapphire Technologies today becomes the first specialist IT recruitment company in Australia and New Zealand to establish a presence in the virtual world of Second Life. The launch of Sapphire Technologies' virtual HQ in Second Life continues its focus on innovation, providing value-adds for jobseekers and clients, and creating a logical new connection with IT professionals in Australasia.

"Second Life offers people the ability to explore an alternative reality while giving them complete control over how they represent themselves. They can interact with a high level of comfort and confidentiality - which makes Second Life an ideal medium to investigate employment prospects and get career advice."

"This is an exciting step for us as a business as we continue to innovate in the way that we connect with IT professionals, and give our candidates greater choice in how they choose to engage with us," said Malcolm Dunford, Chief Operating Officer of Sapphire Technologies.

Visitors to Sapphire Technologies' Second Life HQ can access podcasts on IT employment topics, and arrange to meet with virtual recruitment consultants. Residents can also play pool in the penthouse of Sapphire Technologies' main building, add a free virtual ITEE (t-shirt) to their avatar's inventory, or create and take away a virtual object from the adjacent sandbox.

"Our goal is to create a new Second Life community of IT professionals in Australia and New Zealand, who visit the virtual HQ to experience 'Sapphire Life'. So as well as offering practical advice such as podcasts on duty of care for IT contractors, or providing a new space where people can be interviewed, the site includes features that are purely recreational, like the sandbox and the pool table," said Mr. Dunford.

Sapphire Technologies' Second Life presence has been developed by digital design agency eBrands, and is part of a wider relaunch of the Sapphire Technologies brand and online presence.

Marc Iannacone, Director of eBrands, said that a regular stream of new activities will ensure that the Second Life site continues to be an attractive destination for IT professionals.

"Sapphire Technologies' virtual HQ gives it the ability to achieve a new level of interactivity with candidates, but being an active member of the community will also be important. Events at the virtual HQ like interactive competitions and seminars, and contributions to virtual newspapers will enable Sapphire Technologies to continue to create and maintain new relationships in Second Life," he said.

Sapphire Technologies' Second Life HQ is situated on Vedior Asia Pacific Island, and can be accessed by teleporting to the island in Second Life, or through Sapphire Technologies' new website www.sapphireasiapac.com .

ENDS

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