Tech entrepreneur leads a virtual tour

Those who attended the East Chapter meeting of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 26 got a virtual and literal eye-opening experience.

We had the opportunity to hear from Daniel Blair, an accomplished technology entrepreneur from Bit Space Development. The newest app technology developed by from Bit Space is Panoplã(pronounced pano-play), which gives users the ability to create panoramic virtual tours of their own facilities — small businesses, retail stores, tourist attractions, educational facilities or even real estate properties. 

After showing us how the software and hardware works, Daniel allowed us to strap on Google Cardboard — a cell phone holder that simulates a VR (virtual reality) helmet — and took us on a virtual tour of a mall. I was amazed that, when I moved my head, it seemed like I was looking around the mall, all without leaving my seat.

In addition, the app allows you to embed hot spots within the virtual tour that link to social media or any other additional information you wish to include. Another fun feature links the app to your tablet’s gyroscope, so that, as you move the tablet, the view on your screen moves as well.

Daniel’s ultimate goal is to make this software free for educational facilities, so that students in remote communities can go on educational field trips without the massive costs associated with travel.

The (virtual) reality is that Panoplã levels the playing field, allowing small businesses to offer an online presence that rivals the big companies. The possibilities are limited only by one’s imagination.

Daniel also told us about one of his development partners, Michael Farris of Geofy.
Geofy will help you build promotions for your business that leverage geolocation, driving traffic to your store and increasing sales all with a simple app.

In all, it was a very informative meeting that provided us with two "made in Manitoba" companies that have the potential to be big players in the world of technology. As Chamber members, it is important we help support them — through their success, we all succeed.

Brad Pachkowski is in business development for Instant Imprints and is a co-chair of the East Chapter for the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. You can reach him at bpachkowski@businessforge.ca

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce’s Chapter program meets four times per month in different areas of the city to help members of the business community grow their networks, generate or give leads, hear from dynamic speakers and tackle local issues affecting their businesses. Chapter meetings are not exclusive to Chamber members.
Visit winnipeg-chamber.com/events to find out more about the next meeting near you.