2007-05-15 23:40:34 -

LAKE FOREST, Calif., May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning digital creative firm The Buddy Group has launched a high-profile, flash website for Reebok's "Scarlett 'Hearts' Rbk" collection, featuring a best-of-breed localization process providing multiple languages for multiple countries. The novel approach, which combines XML and Flash, sets a standard for "global localization" technology.

"The Buddy Group's innovative process takes a global medium (the internet) and allows video and text to be translated into unlimited foreign languages, easily and seamlessly," said Pete Deutschman, CEO and Founder of The Buddy Group.

"The technology affords instant translation of video (through subtitles) and language translation for all copy. For Reebok, we've localized the site in 17 countries and 14 languages to date."

"The problem of localization -- quickly and easily translating an entire website and content for multiple languages and countries -- has been an often vexing one in the industry," added Bryan Boettger, VP of Creative. "The Buddy Group's solution provides an affordable, straightforward and virtually error-proof process of adding a new language to a website in just minutes."

The Buddy Group designed the Reebok site to showcase the new Johansson line and immerse users in the collection by using detailed feature shots and 360 degree views. Exuding Scarlett's tom-boy and glam-girl inspiration, the site creates an interactive relationship with users while video taken during a London photo shoot provides a glimpse of Scarlett beyond the Hollywood starlet.

Earlier this year, Reebok signed a multiyear contract with actress Scarlett Johansson to develop the Hearts Rbk collection. The modern-classic, glam-comfort and sexy-sport line debuted this spring at high-end department stores and boutiques worldwide. The Hearts Rbk collection is available online at http://www.rbk.com/us/scarlett.

About The Buddy Group

Founded in July 2005, The Buddy Group is composed of nearly 50 digital strategists, designers, developers, videographers and marketers. The company specializes in strategy and build-out of web sites, advertisements, video and games that are interactive, either online or mobile. The company's revenue growth has been extraordinary, boasting a 300 percent gain in 2006, and is expected to surpass $6 million in billings this year. The Buddy Group works with such clients as eBay, Washington Mutual, Pacific Chorale, AOL, Hansen Beverage Company and Warner Brothers. Detailed information is available at http://www.thebuddygroup.com/.

Source: The Buddy Group