Interesting that Microsoft does not seem to believe in Open Source virtual worlds such as Second Life. 

We see that AVITAR construction is not yet ready but 3D spaces don't  have to be totally immersive counter-culture. In fact they can be just another view of a conventional file system. In that context they would leverage the excellent 3D spatial memory ability of the human brains.

Open source platforms – not "synthetic virtual worlds" – but spaces or rooms seem more likely.

With the right tools, 3D space could be low cost, easy to design, develop and manipulate. It would be a medium where people can architect the presentation of data, collaborate, work on projects, learn and teach, conduct transactions and generally build a sense of community.

BTW - If this is an area that interests you, I have been given access to a new resource to build special environments - open source 3D project spaces, classrooms, war rooms, secure data repositories etc. .

I’ll also be exploring this area in some detail in the coming months – stay tuned

Read the complete article at http://www.pcworld.com/article/151613/real_life_will_trump_second_life_microsoft_says.html