Enhanced version of new PC software program available now as a free upgrade
to current users of Minolta DiMAGE Messenger v1.0

Ramsey, NJ (April 2, 2003) - Minolta Corporation announces today the availability of Minolta DiMAGE Messenger v1.0.1. Current users of DiMAGE Messenger v1.0 who have purchased the program can upgrade their version for free at www.dimagemessenger.com. Additionally, a free trial copy of the full version, which is good for 14 days, is available at www.dimagemessenger.com. This enhanced version of the original DiMAGE Messenger has been programmed to consume less operating system resources than the original. If an image couldn't be opened or didn't print completely before when using Windows 98 second Edition or Windows Me, DiMAGE Messenger v1.01 will resolve the problem.

This exciting new digital imaging software product allows users to connect written text to specific portions of digital images, share the combination with others via e-mail or printed copy, and invite related comments to be added from the receiver - all in just a few, simple steps. Minolta's new DiMAGE Messenger program is ideal for sellers and buyers on auction Web sites, law enforcement agencies, real estate agents, educators and other applications that benefit from clear communications based on digital images.

With Minolta's DiMAGE Messenger software program, users who need to communicate with words and pictures can, for the first time, easily share images, ideas, comments, etc., with the time, date, and name of person making the comment displayed and linked to the corresponding marked portion of a digital image. Priced at under $30* for a downloadable version available at www.dimagemessenger.com, Minolta DiMAGE Messenger is easily within reach of all PC owners.

"People say that 'a picture is worth 1,000 words.' But we say, 'we give you both'," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing for Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "Getting pictures into computers is now easy for most consumers. For the first time, Minolta DiMAGE Messenger software makes it just as easy to share those images for both personal and business applications."

The GUI (Graphical User Interface) of the DiMAGE Messenger software program opens into three panes. An image is loaded at top, left. Text is entered in the pane below the image. When the user draws a box to isolate the specific image portion that corresponds to the text and clicks "add", the text automatically reappears in the right-hand pane. By dragging the mouse cursor over the text, the box that was drawn onto the image reappears. By placing a checkmark in front of the text, the image inside the drawn box is enlarged to fill the image pane, showing details clearly.

The DiMAGE Messenger files can be printed to show the original image with the detailed image sections arranged in up to three columns and the corresponding text beneath each. The boxes drawn by the user to identify the image sections are color-coded. Color matching is available for accurate monitor and printer reproduction.

These annotated images can be sent to others via e-mail from within the application by selecting the "mail" button from the command program's menu. A trial version of DiMAGE Messenger can be attached to the e-mail automatically, if desired. The recipient can enjoy all functions of the software during the 14-day trial period and obtain a software license key to register a fully active version. After 14 days the trial version reverts to become a reader if it has not been validated. The reader will allow the user to open and read images and comments, but it does not allow additional comments to be added or edited.

Minolta DiMAGE Messenger software is an ideal communication tool. Home users will enjoy adding linked text to family albums, documenting personal possessions and organizing many details of their daily lives such as creating their own digital recipe files. The application is ideal for all persons who need to communicate by looking at and working with images and exchanging written words about the elemental contents of those images - and is especially useful when significant distances separate two or more people. Other examples of highly suitable applications include identifying individuals in group photos, communicating with designers and consultants, and documentation for technical devices or real estate and insurance appraisals.

* Under $40 for CD-ROM version.

Minimum System Requirements