SAN FRANCISCO, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- DHAP Digital, in conjunction with Scion, is pleased to announce the relaunch of Scion's flagship site http://www.scion.com/. A wholly redesigned software platform based on Adobe(R) Flex 2 rich internet application framework, BEA's WebLogic, and the Microsoft Virtual Earth mapping and location service platform, the award-winning site offers sophisticated behind-the-scenes process innovation and enhanced user experience for site visitors.

"The Scion.com redesign is our most significant application launch to date," said Scion interactive marketing manager Adrian Si. "DHAP Digital created a best-in-class framework of leading technologies, and they continue to exemplify the innovation that led to last year's Webby award for the Build Your Scion configurator."

The collaboration between DHAP Digital, Scion, and Scion's partners was not limited to the site itself. Si explained, "DHAP also created a shared development environment for our IT group and our interactive agency to work collaboratively in a rapid development partnership model, which enabled us to significantly accelerate our project launch." That development environment and the Scion Flex 2 framework allowed for clean separation between design and engineering tasks.

DHAP Digital President Philip Dzilvelis said, "Our longstanding partnership with Scion challenges us to push the edge of what's technically possible, and never more so than with this redesign, which allowed us to integrate high-performance technologies such as Adobe's Flex 2 and Microsoft Virtual Earth into a site that truly exemplifies the innovation of the Scion brand." The site also makes use of AJAX on the front-end, which is accelerated by Akamai, and employs WebLogic, SiteMinder, eDirectory, and Oracle for middle-ware logic and back-end data management housed in Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.'s state of the art data center.

"Scion.com offers a deeply engaging customer experience based on Adobe's rich Internet application framework, Flex 2," said Jeff Whatcott, vice president of product marketing for the Enterprise and Developer Business Unit at Adobe Systems. "DHAP Digital used Flex not only to architect the overall site, but to add critical functionality not previously available - deep linking and indexing for search optimization, better browser integration with back and forward buttons, and sophisticated 'under the hood' tools for code debugging. We're pleased to see innovative companies like DHAP Digital and Scion choose Flex 2 as their primary development platform."

DHAP created the Scion Dealer Locator to allow site visitors to find and contact local Scion dealers and send their custom-configured car profiles to those dealers for fulfillment. Re-architecting the Dealer Locator with Microsoft Virtual Earth platform, an integrated set of services that combines unique bird's-eye, aerial, and satellite imagery with cutting-edge mapping, location and search functionality, encourages site visitors to interact with the map tools in new ways, rather than just view a map image. "The innovative integration of our Virtual Earth platform in Scion's Dealer Locator is impressive," said Eric Waldman, Business Development Manager for Virtual Earth at Microsoft. "DHAP Digital made optimal use of our platform technology to create rich visuals and a compelling consumer experience. This enables Scion customers to 'get on the road' to buying a car."

About DHAP Digital, Inc.

DHAP Digital, Inc. (http://www.dhapdigital.com/) develops, implements, maintains and supports custom Internet-based software solutions and back-end technologies that help clients to achieve their business goals. DHAP Digital's project managers, architects and developers assist with the strategic evaluation, selection and deployment of technology; designing, building and deployment of custom application software; and integrating with off-the-shelf and legacy proprietary systems. The company has an impressive record of delivering solutions to Fortune 500 and other corporate customers across a wide spectrum of industries. DHAP Digital serves as a partner amongst their clients' trusted advisors and vendors in the areas of strategic technology consulting, application and systems architecture, software and system development, quality assurance testing, systems deployment, and internet application infrastructure support. DHAP Digital is a profitable, privately held company in business since 1998.

About Scion

Scion is the newest line of vehicles from Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. Developed with a new generation of youthful buyers in mind, Scion's mission is to provide distinctive products, the opportunity to personalize, and an innovative, consumer-driven process at the retail level. The Scion brand features three groundbreaking models: the all-new xD subcompact five-door; the xB, an urban utility vehicle with an iconic shape; and the tC sports coupe. For more information, visit http://www.scion.com/.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information - anytime, anywhere, and through any medium. For more information, visit http://www.adobe.com/.

About Microsoft Virtual Earth

The Virtual Earth platform is Microsoft's next-generation integrated set of powerful online mapping and search services that utilize unique bird's-eye, 3-D, aerial and satellite imagery. The Virtual Earth platform powers a variety of consumer, enterprise and government applications that enable people to learn about, discover and explore a specific location. Virtual Earth also powers Live Search Maps, Microsoft's online local search and mapping Web site - this power can be in anyone's hands too, for customized applications. More information about the Virtual Earth platform is available at http://www.microsoft.com/virtualearth/default.mspx.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact: Judith Zissman 415.962.4900 judith@dhapdigital.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

CONTACT: Judith Zissman of DHAP Digital, Inc., +1-415-962-4900,
judith@dhapdigital.com

Web site: http://www.dhapdigital.com/
http://www.scion.com/
http://www.adobe.com/