Software from Comverse Technology will enable Second Life residents to visit the virtual world from their Java-enabled mobile devices, reports Reuters' Second Life bureau.

The application requires a PC or other server to act as an intermediary but will allow people to log in to Second Life and control their avatar from their cellphone. The software was developed before the recent open-sourcing of the Second Life client. Comverse is in negotiations with mobile service carriers regarding making the software available.

Marketers have latched on to Second Life as a valuable way to get the attention of young, tech-savvy individuals. A recent study from the American Advertising Federation had marketing professionals naming it as one of the biggest surprises in terms of innovation in 2006.