Roundarch Technology Amps Up Tesla`s Model S

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:22pm EDT

Next-Generation Electric Vehicle Prototype Uses Merapi Advanced Platform in
Haptic-Enabled Touch Screen with Wireless Connectivity
CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Roundarch, a digital agency focused on designing and building enterprise class
Web sites, Web applications and next-generation "screen-based" experiences,
announces its involvement in the launch of Tesla Motors`sModel S - an
all-electric, zero-emission prototype that Tesla plans to produce starting in
late 2011. 

Roundarch technology, named Merapi, connects the Model S prototype`s
sophisticated on-board computer system with peripheral hardware. The result is a
car that delivers intuitive, responsive touch-screen controls through a 17-inch
display. 

"The pure electric powertrain of the Tesla Roadster makes it the most
technologically advanced production car available. We want that same degree of
innovation on the Model S - not only on the powertrain but on all aspects of the
user experience," said Dennis Schaff, a Tesla engineer who helped build the
Model S show car. "Our goal is to offer a best-in-class user experience,
providing owners with easy-to-use, next-generation technology throughout the
car." 

Roundarch`s Merapi is a revolutionary solution for bridging traditional desktop
and Web technologies, closing the gap between what has traditionally been a
separation of the two. Merapi`s key advantages include:

* Access to hardware devices: Browser-based technologies (Adobe Flash, Microsoft
Silverlight, AJAX) previously did not have native access to hardware other than
microphone and Web cam. 
* Access to existing APIs: Merapi makes existing open source and commercial
software accessible from the browser or from runtime engines such as Adobe AIR
without the need for a server. 
* Improved core performance of an application.

Merapi was developed by Roundarch`s Adam Flater and Dave Meeker. 

"Merapi is the next generation solution for Adobe AIR to integrate directly with
the operating system, and its recent rollout is setting the stage for even
further advancement," said Flater, Architect and Evangelist at Roundarch. 

Thanks to Merapi, the Tesla Model S show car offers users the ability to
interact with vehicle hardware systems by engaging with the car`s cockpit
control center, including a touch screen consisting of HD radio integration,
quick GPS navigation, streaming audio and other Internet and cloud-based data
and information. 

"Merapi is the foundation for countless innovation opportunities in user
experience design and development. Roundarch is proud to be able to play such an
important role in getting the Tesla sedan show car out on the street using
technology that we`ve developed," added Meeker, Director of Emerging Technology
at Roundarch. "We were excited to work with the innovative Tesla team to empower
the prototype show car. We look forward to watching how the show car evolves to
production car over the next two and a half years, when the vehicles start
arriving in consumers` garages." 

For more information on Merapi: http://www.merapiproject.net/

For more information from the lead creators of Merapi: 

Roundarch: http://impost.roundarch.com

Adam Flater: http://www.adamflater.net

Dave Meeker: http://www.whatanexperience.org

About Roundarch

Roundarch designs and implements digital experiences for the world`s largest
organizations. Roundarch delivers web sites, rich web applications, mobile apps,
social media applications, digital marketing campaigns and more for clients such
as Avis, HBO, Motorola, and the US Air Force. Roundarch`s unique blend of
strategic insight, breakthrough design capabilities and enterprise class
technology is perfectly suited for the most complex problems in the digital
space. Roundarch has offices in Chicago, New York, and Boston.
http://www.roundarch.com. 

About Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors develops and manufactures all-electric, zero-emission vehicles with
exceptional design, performance and efficiency. The Roadster, which conforms to
all U.S. and E.U. safety and durability standards, is the only highway-capable
production electric car of any kind for sale in the United States or Europe.
Tesla plans to begin manufacturing a four-door, five-passenger, all-electric,
zero-emission luxury sedan in 2011. For more information, visit
www.teslamotors.com. 

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Roundarch Contact:
Paul Buranosky
(312) 529-2564
pburanosky@roundarch.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009

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