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Background	IONA Orbix E2A XMLBus Edition is the first Web services platform built to handle critical business integration processes both inside and outside the firewall. Orbix E2A leverages Web services standards and service-oriented architectures to provide an open, flexible and low-cost integration solution. Developer education about Web services and XML is crucial to the long-term success of the initiative because their support of the platform will speed widespread adoption. IONA includes developers as an integral part of launch programs because of they important role developers play in the evaluation and purchase process.
Challenge	The challenge: to demonstrate Web services and teach developers to use IONA Orbix E2A XMLBus Edition to create and consume Web services. IONA wanted to create an online information resource that would promote community and communication, and provide the hands-on experience to get developers building with the IONA tool. At the time, there was a great deal of confusion in the marketplace around XML and Web services. In addition, developers and project teams were facing greater technical challenges as enterprises expanded eBusiness efforts and applications. This project was to take both of these factors into account in its creation and execution.
Solution	DevX created a customized portal, the IONA Dream Warrior Challenge, which launched in March 2002. The primary objective was to demonstrate to application development teams not only how to create, consume and host Web services in the course of a 20-minute online session, but to do it within a framework that was both entertaining, educational and community based. IONA Portal features include: An interactive, educational game, Dream Warrior Challenge, focused on Orbix E2A XMLBus Edition and designed to teach developers about creating and consuming Web services Developer techniques for using Orbix E2A XMLBus Edition Targeted newsletters Original content written by the DevX editorial team Downloadable tutorials and product guides Focused discussion groups DevX marketing and site merchandising
Results	An enthusiastic and appreciative developer community was built. The program was an overwhelming success, both in terms of building developer mind share for IONA at a crucial time and in assisting to bring Orbix E2A XMLBus Edition to market quickly. The IONA Dream Warrior Challenge experienced tremendous traffic from launch to program end (page views of 412,000). To date, the portal has received over 53,000 visits and nearly 10,000 participated in the program through its subscriber newsletter. Incredibly, site visits averaged 25 minutes. IONA and DevX have received overwhelming positive feedback from the "Warrior" community and enthusiastic participation throughout the duration of the program. Final winners among active players were announced in October 2002 at IONA World. Highlights on deliverables Exceeded 5-month project deliverables by 3rd month Exceptional conversion rates: page views to registrations/game player

For more information about the DevX Vendor Development Portals and other customized marketing programs to build your developer services and communities, please contact: Darlene Townsend, DevX Vice President of Partnership Marketing, dtownsend@devx.com

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