[11/30/2009]

EON Reality Supports Birzeit University on the West Bank, Palestine to Implement Immersive Technology

IRVINE, Calif., November 30, 2009 – EON Reality, the world's leading interactive 3D software provider, today announced that Birzeit University, Palestine will implement virtual reality system technology from EON Reality for the preservation of cultural heritage sites in Palestine. 

Palestinian Minister of Planning, Dr. Ali Jarbawi and Birzeit President, Dr. Nabeel Kassis cut the inauguration ribbon at the Virtual Reality Theatre at Faculty of Engineering at Birzeit University on November 18, 2009.

The virtual reality project is funded by the World Bank and the European Commission. The project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering at Birzeit University and the Faculty of Landscape Architecture and Spatial Planning at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB).  In an opening ceremony speech, Dr. Faisal Awadallah, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Birzeit University indicated his pleasure and pride in opening of the virtual reality system, which is the first of its kind in Palestine.  “It will be used as a model for visualizing historical evidences of various locations, sites and landscapes in Palestine.  The virtual reality theatre/lab will be used as an instructional tool for students, as well as a medium for studies, research and consultation for public and private sectors,” Dr. Awadallah added.

The goal with the virtual heritage project is to develop interactive 3D models and virtual reality environments that can help increase the public awareness about hidden history of the Palestinian nation. Dr. Ramzi Hassan, Professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and former member of the Faculty of Engineering at Birzeit University, said it is important to change the mentality towards cultural heritages and landscapes as a common property of the people. "The preservation of historical places in Palestine is a national objective that unfortunately has failed to become a priority question," Dr. Hassan said. "As a consequence, a new generation will exist with no believe for the value to such sites. These archaeological sites, spreading all over Palestine not only carry a powerful spiritual potential but also promote the development of the tourist infrastructure, which potentially ensures an inflow of hard currency into the country’s economy".  

Virtual Reality is a fast developing and rapidly used technology which has numerous applications in research, medicine, education, training, engineering modeling, science, business, and entertainment.  A main benefit of this project is the installation of an immersive virtual reality environment, the EON Icube, a VR system provided by EON Reality. It will be used by Birzeit University as an experiment arena for research, development and collaboration between various disciplines, faculties and international experts. In addition, it will function as a showcase for visitors to demonstrate Birzeit research, studies and Palestinian land and culture. 

About Berzeit University
Birzeit University became the first Palestinian University in 1972 with programs leading to bachelor degrees. The University has eight faculties, 19 master programs, several institutions and centers. Birzeit University has about 800 faculty and staff members with a student body of over 9000 students of which 55% are females. Birzeit has a campus of around 80 hectares with 19 buildings equipped with all the requirements that teaching and learning process needs. Birzeit University strives to promote excellence in higher education by providing quality academic teaching, training, research and relevant community programs within the context of sustainable development, emphasizing social conscience and democratic values in a free civil Palestinian society. For further information, visit www.birzeit.edu/about_bzu/

About EON Reality
EON Reality, Inc. is the world's leading interactive 3D visual content management and virtual reality software provider. EON’s solutions enable all organizations to more effectively visually communicate, collaborate and accelerate knowledge transfer. Industry leaders include Atlas Copco, Bechtel, Boeing, Bombardier, Hon, Intel, Lexus, Lufthansa –Teknik, Peterbilt, Samsung, Siemens Medical, Suzuki, Toyota and Whirlpool use EON solutions to enhance the interactive user experience to effectively increase sales, better communicate product functionality and decrease the cost of service, training and technical support.  Educational institutions and organizations who have adopted EON’s SBL technology solutions include: the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, the Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology (located on the campus of the Florence-Darlington Technical College), Honolulu Community College, Old Dominion University, Marquette University, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Discovery World Museum, Oklahoma City Community College, Concord University, Texas State Technical College – Waco, El Paso Community College, University of Alabama, University of Hawaii, University of Kentucky and Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina. For further information, visit www.eonreality.com.