Looks like you could have a lot of fun with this new PHP framework. Dutch Pipe has similar features to the other virtual-world/avatar sites we've seen earlier (e.g. Hive7), but is actually an open-source framework rather than a single (stovepiped :-) destination site. Using the framework, any developer can integrate a virtual world into their own web page. Some people have questioned how useful these things are; if there was ever a chance to find out, it would be an open framework like this where people can incorporate it how they please.

Characters have inventories, can express emotions, look around, and talk to each other. There's also support for automating characters and objects.

Demos on the site are limited, but this description suggests the developers have practical applications in mind.

* Make fora, chat rooms, card games or virtual RPG worlds with avatars. See your buddies wander around. See the site for a demo, no login required.
* Make easy-to-use product and shopping cart pages. Have automated and/or real person site assistants stand by to assist your customers and increase sales.
* Each page will become an abstracted environment or location where visitors and other items on the page are visualized.
* This status is retained as visitors move around.
* A whole lot of real-time interaction is possible.
* Developers program "world" objects in PHP - No Javascript coding required.
* Open source license (BSD).

Considering all the recent attention around Second Life, it seems like there's at least potential in this area, and the possibility of some integration with richer virtual words. Things could get interesting if combined with custom scripting and the ability for characters to communicate with external sites.

But for now, sit back and enjoy the beer ...