Picture Services Network and v1.0 Interoperability Specifications Put CPXe Into Motion

HARRISON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2003--The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) today announced the availability of a suite of CPXe interoperability specifications and the creation of the Picture Services Network (PSN). Working in concert, CPXe specifications and the PSN Directory Service will simplify for consumers and businesses the process of finding, accessing and using Internet-connected and retail photo services.

"The introduction of the PSN Directory Service and the CPXe specifications gives life to the imaging industry's vision for making it as convenient to get prints and other photo services from digital pictures as it is today with film," said Lisa Walker, president, International Imaging Industry Association. "Today's announcement signals the beginning of new levels of convenience and flexibility for consumers and incredible possibilities for retailers."

CPXe Interoperability Specifications v1.0

I3A along with Eastman Kodak Company, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd and Hewlett-Packard Company announced today the availability of a suite of CPXe specifications. The first in a planned series of concurrent specification releases by I3A enables the business-to-consumer components of the CPXe system architecture. It is planned that future specifications will be developed to address the business-to-business elements of the CPXe architecture.

Copies of the v1.0 CPXe specifications may be downloaded from the I3A website at www.i3a.org.

CPXe is providing the industry with an extensible and open technology platform on which any imaging device can seamlessly exchange digital images and order and commerce information with any networked imaging application or service, regardless of manufacturer, service provider or geography.

The combined impact of CPXe specifications and the PSN Directory Service will simplify for consumers the process of finding and using Internet-connected and retail photo services.

I3A will host a Technical Symposium on the CPXe interoperability specifications for developers at DIMA on Friday, February 28, 2003 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. Developers interested in attending should contact Beverly Valdez at 650-697-8722 or [email protected].

Companies interested in learning more about and joining the CPXe initiative should contact Lisa Walker at 949-481-7645 or [email protected].

Picture Services Network

A private UDDI-based directory of photo services, the PSN Directory Service is the heart of the CPXe system architecture. As a subsidiary of I3A, the new not-for-profit membership corporation will autonomously manage and operate the Picture Services Network.

With commercial service availability planned for June 2003, the PSN Directory Service will open the gateway for CPXe adopters, through their compliant applications and services, to allow consumers to quickly locate services and providers using familiar search criteria such as a zip code or desired product type.

Participation in the PSN is open to any company, large or small. Companies that will benefit from the directory service include photo-enabled device manufacturers; photo-enabled Web sites and portals; independent software vendors; traditional and non-traditional photo retailers; online photofinishers; and photofinishing system integrators. PSN participants will now be able to effectively expand their market reach and deliver innovative products and services to any digital camera owner - regardless of the camera's brand or where it was purchased.

PSN members also have access to a range of benefits, including the privilege to register an unlimited number of applications and services for no additional fee. PSN membership dues will cover ongoing operating costs and are scaled based on the member's market capitalization. Current PSN members include Agfa-Gevaert AG, Eastman Kodak Company, Hewlett-Packard Company and Silverwire, Inc. Companies wishing to register their offerings with PSN without becoming a member may do so for a nominal annual fee for each registered application or service.

Companies interested in learning more about, or joining the Picture Services Network should contact Lisa Walker at 949-481-7645 or [email protected].

About the Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe)

CPXe is an International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) initiative group of companies working together to provide more opportunities for consumers to enjoy their digital pictures. Technology companies, software makers, camera and equipment manufacturers, imaging companies, and online photo services providers are working within I3A to develop a series of specifications to enable the transmission of digital pictures and order information between digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers via the Picture Services Network (PSN). For more information about CPXe, visit www.i3a.org.

About the Picture Services Network (PSN)

PSN, a subsidiary of I3A, is a not-for-profit membership association established to provide the management and operational support necessary to run the PSN Directory Service on an ongoing basis. PSN will allow users to quickly and easily identify conveniently located digital imaging service providers. For more information about PSN, visit www.pictureservices.org.

About the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A)

I3A is the leading global imaging industry association, driving growth of and setting standards for the photographic and information imaging markets. As the industry focal point, I3A offers a framework and environment where members can quickly find resources to solve critical issues and develop market solutions. Members of I3A work together to find common ground for advancing the industry and to enable better products and services for their customers. I3A is the product of the merger of the Digital Imaging Group (DIG) and the Photographic and Imaging Manufacturers Association (PIMA). Information about I3A can be found on the World Wide Web at www.i3a.org.