Boxed CD-ROM version now available at retailers nationwide

Ramsey, NJ (May 12, 2003) - Minolta Corporation announces the retail availability of a boxed CD-ROM version of Minolta DiMAGE Messenger digital imaging software. This new digital imaging software 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.

"Consumers can enjoy a free trial version of Minolta's DiMAGE Messenger by downloading the software from our Web site, and if they like it, they can purchase the full version from their local retailer," said Jon Sienkiewicz, vice president of marketing for Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group. "This new software is ideal for consumers interested in conveniently sharing their favorite images as well as business users that benefit from clear communications based on digital images."

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 check mark 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.

The Minolta DiMAGE Messenger CD-ROM retail version is available for less than $50.

Minolta Corporation
Minolta Corporation, headquartered in Ramsey, New Jersey, is the largest subsidiary of Minolta Co. Ltd. of Osaka, Japan, a leading manufacturer of cameras, business equipment, radiometric instruments and planetariums. Minolta Corporation's Consumer Products Group (CPG) markets 35mm film and Advanced Photo System cameras, digital cameras, binoculars, accessory lenses, photographic light meters, 35mm and Advanced Photo System film scanners and other consumer products.

The corporation's Business Products Group (BPG) markets digital and analog office equipment. Products include black-and-white copiers, digital black and white printer/copiers, plain-paper laser facsimile machines, digital color printer/copiers, micrographic systems, document management software, and related office equipment.

For more information about Minolta or its products visit www.minoltausa.com, or access Minolta's PHOTOFAX at 800-528-4767. To download a free trial version of Minolta's DiMAGE Messenger visit www.minoltausa.com/messenger.

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