CPXe Standard for Photofinishing

Leading I3A Imaging Companies Develop Industry Initiative To Expand Digital Photofinishing Services for Consumers

Eastman Kodak Company, Fujifilm and HP Give Consumers More Ways to Print Digital Images and Create New Business Opportunities for Retailers

Harrison, NY, USA. June 17, 2002.

The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) today announced a major initiative to provide increased photofinishing choices for consumers to get photographic quality prints from digital images. The initiative, known as the Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe), is designed to make printing digital images as convenient as using film.

With a broad and rapidly expanding base of support, CPXe will allow photofinishing service providers to connect to consumers via the Web and to each other in ways that are currently not possible. CPXe is led by top imaging companies within the I3A, including Eastman Kodak Company, Fujifilm and Hewlett-Packard.

Based on a Web Services framework, CPXe will enable the transmission and printing of digital images between digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers -- regardless of the type of digital camera, PC or operating system they use. CPXe will allow consumers to upload, download and order prints of digital pictures at any retail location with any type of photofinishing equipment used by the retailer.

The CPXe network architecture and a directory of services will be managed and supported by I3A. The directory, which is open to any company to join, will provide a robust listing of service providers. Using this directory, consumers will be able to quickly locate compatible services using familiar search criteria, such as a zip code or type of service. For example, a consumer could request a list of vendors that offer in-store pick up, one hour service and are located in the consumers' area.

CPXe uses existing Web Services standards such as Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and XML, which makes it easy and less costly for camera manufacturers to build connections to CPXe compliant service providers. CPXe is an example of Web services providing real benefits to consumers.

"According to our research, less than 10 percent of digital camera owners print through service providers," said Ron Glaz, program manager, digital imaging at IDC. "Consumers today are used to a behavior pattern with photofinishing that is hard to break because the current process with film is convenient and simple. In order for mass-market adoption of digital photography to occur, the industry needs a digital photofinishing infrastructure similar to what exists today for film. With CPXe, the I3A and the industry have a strong vision for bridging the two worlds and providing an order system similar to today's while allowing the consumer to take advantage of what digital imaging provides." "CPXe will link digital camera owners to the traditional photofinishers and minilabs they are familiar with for printing pictures. In addition, CPXe creates new revenue streams for retailers, photofinishers and other companies involved in digital output," said Lisa Walker, executive director of I3A.

"Kodak is striving to expand the choices consumers have in digital photofinishing services at retailers," said Phil Gerskovich, chief operating officer, Digital and Applied Imaging business unit, Eastman Kodak Company. "The CPXe initiative will create an entirely new and convenient option for digital camera owners - Print From Home - enabling consumers to send print orders from their home PCs to their favorite local retailer. The convergence of image and information technology continue to create new business opportunities for the imaging and technology industries, and CPXe will help us capitalize on those opportunities."

"The CPXe initiative will create an entirely new and convenient option for digital camera owners to send print orders to their favorite local retailer from their home PCs," said Yukihiro Shibakawa, divisional manager, DI Software Development Division, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. "Fujifilm strongly believes in providing a choice of output options for all camera owners."

"HP's goal in supporting CPXe is to promote industry standards that provide consumers with a rich imaging experience anytime, anywhere," Mary Peery, senior vice president, HP Digital Imaging and Publishing global business unit. "In supporting this innovative CPXe standard, HP is pushing to create greater choice, control and convenience for consumers as they engage in the digital conversation."

The CPXe standards are slated to be completed by the end of 2002.

Other participants include:

Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Digimarc
FotoWire, Inc.
LifePics, Inc.
Olympus America Inc.
Open Graphics, Inc.
Pixology Ltd.

Companies interested in joining the CPXe Initiative should contact Lisa Walker at 949-481-7645 or lisaw@i3a.org

About CPXe

CPXe is an International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) Initiative group of companies that are working together to provide more opportunities for consumers to print their digital images. Technology companies, software makers, camera manufacturers, imaging companies, and online photo services providers - are working within I3A to develop a set of open standards that will enable digital camera users to make prints of their images from anywhere in the world. A core group of companies have begun work on the open standards and network which are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2002. For more information about CPXe, visit www.i3a.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.

Editorial Contact

Tom Giantsopoulos
BenchMark Porter Novelli
[for the International Imaging Industry Association]
Tel: +1 416-422-7201
Email: tgiantsopoulos@bmporternovelli.com

Prepared by Robin Cover for The XML Cover Pages archive. See: "Common Picture Exchange Environment (CPXe)."

SEARCH Advanced Search ABOUT Site Map CP RSS Channel Contact Us Sponsoring CP About Our Sponsors NEWS Cover Stories Articles & Papers Press Releases CORE STANDARDS XML SGML Schemas XSL/XSLT/XPath XLink XML Query CSS SVG TECHNOLOGY REPORTS XML Applications General Apps Government Apps Academic Apps EVENTS LIBRARY Introductions FAQs Bibliography Technology and Society Semantics Tech Topics Software Related Standards Historic	CPXe Standard for Photofinishing Leading I3A Imaging Companies Develop Industry Initiative To Expand Digital Photofinishing Services for Consumers Eastman Kodak Company, Fujifilm and HP Give Consumers More Ways to Print Digital Images and Create New Business Opportunities for Retailers Harrison, NY, USA. June 17, 2002. The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) today announced a major initiative to provide increased photofinishing choices for consumers to get photographic quality prints from digital images. The initiative, known as the Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe), is designed to make printing digital images as convenient as using film. With a broad and rapidly expanding base of support, CPXe will allow photofinishing service providers to connect to consumers via the Web and to each other in ways that are currently not possible. CPXe is led by top imaging companies within the I3A, including Eastman Kodak Company, Fujifilm and Hewlett-Packard. Based on a Web Services framework, CPXe will enable the transmission and printing of digital images between digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers -- regardless of the type of digital camera, PC or operating system they use. CPXe will allow consumers to upload, download and order prints of digital pictures at any retail location with any type of photofinishing equipment used by the retailer. The CPXe network architecture and a directory of services will be managed and supported by I3A. The directory, which is open to any company to join, will provide a robust listing of service providers. Using this directory, consumers will be able to quickly locate compatible services using familiar search criteria, such as a zip code or type of service. For example, a consumer could request a list of vendors that offer in-store pick up, one hour service and are located in the consumers' area. CPXe uses existing Web Services standards such as Universal Description, Discovery and Integration (UDDI), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and XML, which makes it easy and less costly for camera manufacturers to build connections to CPXe compliant service providers. CPXe is an example of Web services providing real benefits to consumers. "According to our research, less than 10 percent of digital camera owners print through service providers," said Ron Glaz, program manager, digital imaging at IDC. "Consumers today are used to a behavior pattern with photofinishing that is hard to break because the current process with film is convenient and simple. In order for mass-market adoption of digital photography to occur, the industry needs a digital photofinishing infrastructure similar to what exists today for film. With CPXe, the I3A and the industry have a strong vision for bridging the two worlds and providing an order system similar to today's while allowing the consumer to take advantage of what digital imaging provides." "CPXe will link digital camera owners to the traditional photofinishers and minilabs they are familiar with for printing pictures. In addition, CPXe creates new revenue streams for retailers, photofinishers and other companies involved in digital output," said Lisa Walker, executive director of I3A. "Kodak is striving to expand the choices consumers have in digital photofinishing services at retailers," said Phil Gerskovich, chief operating officer, Digital and Applied Imaging business unit, Eastman Kodak Company. "The CPXe initiative will create an entirely new and convenient option for digital camera owners - Print From Home - enabling consumers to send print orders from their home PCs to their favorite local retailer. The convergence of image and information technology continue to create new business opportunities for the imaging and technology industries, and CPXe will help us capitalize on those opportunities." "The CPXe initiative will create an entirely new and convenient option for digital camera owners to send print orders to their favorite local retailer from their home PCs," said Yukihiro Shibakawa, divisional manager, DI Software Development Division, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. "Fujifilm strongly believes in providing a choice of output options for all camera owners." "HP's goal in supporting CPXe is to promote industry standards that provide consumers with a rich imaging experience anytime, anywhere," Mary Peery, senior vice president, HP Digital Imaging and Publishing global business unit. "In supporting this innovative CPXe standard, HP is pushing to create greater choice, control and convenience for consumers as they engage in the digital conversation." The CPXe standards are slated to be completed by the end of 2002. Other participants include: Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Canon U.S.A., Inc. Digimarc FotoWire, Inc. LifePics, Inc. Olympus America Inc. Open Graphics, Inc. Pixology Ltd. Companies interested in joining the CPXe Initiative should contact Lisa Walker at 949-481-7645 or lisaw@i3a.org About CPXe CPXe is an International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) Initiative group of companies that are working together to provide more opportunities for consumers to print their digital images. Technology companies, software makers, camera manufacturers, imaging companies, and online photo services providers - are working within I3A to develop a set of open standards that will enable digital camera users to make prints of their images from anywhere in the world. A core group of companies have begun work on the open standards and network which are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2002. For more information about CPXe, visit www.i3a.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. Editorial Contact Tom Giantsopoulos BenchMark Porter Novelli [for the International Imaging Industry Association] Tel: +1 416-422-7201 Email: tgiantsopoulos@bmporternovelli.com Prepared by Robin Cover for The XML Cover Pages archive. See: "Common Picture Exchange Environment (CPXe)."