IBM keeps finding new ways to use Second Life for old things. A virtual parallel of the Lotusphere 2007 conference is one of the latest. The complex, pictured above, is an analogue of the one in Orlando, where the real life annual conference will be taking place.

7,000 people are expected to descend on the complex in Orlando to hear about the latest social/tech innovations in IBM Lotus software. The conference is being paralleled in Second Life so that people unable to attend the Orlando conference, for whatever reason, can still attend. I was able to catch up with Mags McLaglen, at the virtual site and speak with her for a few minutes about the virtual conference.

Mags McMaglen (pictured right) was very receptive and friendly, warming quickly to her subject, and very obviously excited about the meeting of the physical and virtual conferences, "We showed a video of the [virtual] space this morning and our attendees went crazy - so it was fun!"

The physical conference started in Orlando this morning with several large product announcements, which will be replayed by video on Tuesday morning at the virtual site. The virtual conference opens on Tuesday at 9am US ET, with the video commencing at 10am US ET. Agendas and timetables are available from a convenient dispenser by the main fountain -- around which you can expect to find Lotus software experts willing to discuss the products and answer questions.

Though McLaglen's team is new to Second Life, they're certainly doing quite a job of adapting, "Given that most of us had never been in SL as of Jan 1 it was a huge learning curve." Assisted by the able Jessica Qin and her team, McLaglen and her people seem ready to take on anything right now. They're certainly willing enough.

McLaglen's goals are solid and much as you'd expect, "Showcasing our marketing innovation through extending the reach of our popular Lotusphere Conference into SL. I want to ensure a positive user experience, both with SL and with our activities."

You can find the virtual Lotusphere complex at IBM 9 (34,58,23).