IBM said Wednesday that the next version of Dassault Systemes's 3D XML Player will support Lotus Notes, making it possible to view and manipulate 3D data within the messaging and collaboration software.

The integration of the two products was the result of a co-development effort beween IBM and the French software maker. Dassault's 3D XML Player is expected to provide the ability for collaboration on 3D data beyond engineers to non-engineers, Armonk, N.Y.-based, IBM said.

"Collaboration processes require rich content seamlessly integrated into the user's experience," Ken Bisconti, vice president of IBM workplace, portal and collaboration products, said in a statement. "3D collaboration is the next wave of interactive technology for knowledge workers."

Lotus version of the 3D XML Player is scheduled for release by the end of the year through Dassault's Web site.