PhotoChannel Networks, the leading innovator in online digital media solutions for retailers, announced earlier today that they have signed an agreement with Kodak (China) Investment Company Limited to provide and operate Kodak’s imaging network in China. Kodak China Investment Company Limited is a part of the world’s foremost imaging innovator Eastman Kodak (NYSE:EK).
Under the agreement, Kodak Express stores in China will use PhotoChannel’s PNI Digital Media Platform to transmit digital versions of personalized photo products created in the store to a Kodak production facility. The physical product will then be created and shipped back to the store.
Since 1995, PhotoChannel has been using the PNI Digital Media platform to connect consumers ordering digital content with retailers that have on-demand manufacturing capabilities for the production of merchandise. The company considers themselves the leader in online digital imaging solutions for retailers, manufacturers, media companies and mobility. Using the PNI Digital Media, the company generates millions of transactions for major retailers around the world, and hopes to have 800 Kodak Express stores connected to this platform in 2008.
The chairman and CEO of PhotoChannel commented: “With this agreement, PhotoChannel is now truly the worldwide leader in delivering image processing transactions. We are now operational in five continents with dominant positions in all. The versatility of our platform is showcased here as Kodak’s software solution is the front end of this system and PNI is delivering the back end transaction clearing and image transport capabilities, all under our enterprise class monitoring, tracking and financial reporting systems. We are very pleased to partner with Kodak in offering this new and unique solution for the Chinese marketplace.”
Also speaking on behalf of Kodak, Terence Chiu, Retail Printing Director – Asia Pacific, stated, “PhotoChannel’s software has complemented our solution and helped us deliver a unique, state-of-the-art solution with the capabilities we need to capitalize on an emerging and immense opportunity in China. The PNI platform will allow the Kodak Express stores in China to sell new revenue generating products by providing the operational and transactional workflow for our business. We look forward to realizing this significant opportunity with our partner PhotoChannel.”
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