You're invited to GridTalk tomorrow in Second Life and on the Web, where we'll be talking to IBM and Linden Lab about their joint initiative to create standards for interoperability between virtual worlds and the Web. The two companies are working on standards to allow users to move their avatars between virtual worlds, as well as standards for sharing data between virtual worlds and the flat Internet.

The two companies are working on ways to permit secure transactions for virtual worlds and services, "universal avatars" that operate on multiple virtual worlds, and improved platform stability.

Our guests are:

• For IBM: Sandy Kearney, Global Director, Emerging 3D Internet and Virtual Business. Second Life name: Seth Witte.

• For Linden Lab: Ginsu Yoon, vice president, business affairs. Second Life name: Ginsu Linden.

Here's how to participate:

• In Second Life: Be there Tuesday, Oct. 23 (that's tomorrow) at 8 am Second Life Time/Pacific Time at the amphitheater at Dr. Dobb's Island (SLURL).

• On The Web: Visit the Dr. Dobb's chatbridge using Flash-enabled browser. You'll need to register first if you haven't already. You'll be able to hear the audio of the session and use chat to participate in discussion and ask questions. The form asks you to provide your Second Life name, but that's optional, just give the name you want to use in the text chat.