Future Image Launches Industry Advocacy Initiative On the Theme of Visual Communication.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ORLANDO, Fla. & SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2002

Today Future Image Inc., the leading provider of research, analysis and advisory services on emerging trends in imaging, announced the launch of a broad-based industry initiative on the theme of Visual Communication. The comprehensive research and communication program will explore and showcase the power of visual communication to create compelling new experiences for users, and to improve both the top and bottom lines for business. Initial support for the Visual Communication initiative is provided by worldwide imaging leaders Eastman Kodak Company and Hewlett-Packard Company.

Ten years into the digital imaging revolution, and beyond the day-to-day whirlwind of technology developments, a larger picture is emerging. That picture, according to Future Image, is the dawning of a new era in human communication -- an era characterized by the prominence and ubiquity of visual content.

"The human brain processes the world visually first and foremost," said Bob Goldstein, principal analyst for the Visual Communication initiative. "Folk sayings such as 'seeing is believing' or 'a picture is worth a thousand words' express an age-old understanding that, in the vast majority of cases, pictorial representation is the most impactful, trusted and efficient way to manifest information. Mankind's drive to communicate visually goes back thousands of years, from cave drawings until modern photography, movies, and television. The technology revolutions of the past ten years create the conditions for a quantum leap."

"Over the past decade our firm has been immersed in tracking three key trends: The digitization of images, the spread of imaging-capable PCs and appliances, and the emergence of the Web as a global communications infrastructure," said Alexis Gerard, president, Future Image Inc. "Today, the convergence of these three trends, and the broad accessibility of the tools they have generated, is poised to revolutionize the way people communicate with each other locally and globally. In the Visual Communication era, businesses at every level, and ultimately individuals, are enabled to wield the power of images in order to achieve their communication goals."

"Pictures have always been about information, but recent advances in technology have created a new era for the imaging industry," said Paula Dumas, vice president of industry marketing, Eastman Kodak Company. "There is more information in a single picture than in any other form of communication. The convergence of image science and information technology has unleashed the true communication potential of images, creating a $225 billion industry called infoimaging. Infoimaging is more than just combining pictures with information. It represents the moment when pictures become information. Infoimaging is about images, enabled by technology, improving communication and commerce, creating significant new opportunities for businesses around the world. Kodak and Future Image share a common view of this market and we are pleased to support their efforts."

"Our goal at HP is to help people communicate in a new way -- one that blurs the lines between words and images, between sound and video. We envision this form of communication as one that is radically simple and readily available to anyone, anywhere on the planet, anytime they choose," said Mary Peery, HP vice president and general manager of the Digital Imaging Organization. "We call this kind of communication a Digital Conversation because it is as easy as having a conversation and as simple. Our vision for the Digital Conversation is closely matched to the initiative being launched today by Future Image Inc. and we are happy to be able to lend support to the project."

Information on the Visual Communication Program -- concepts, deliverables, and opportunities to participate -- is available at www.visualcommunication.info.

About Future Image

Future Image Inc. is the leading provider of decision support services for imaging industry executives worldwide. Its primary research focuses on emerging technology and business trends in imaging. Recent studies published by Future Image include "Windows XP: Challenges and Opportunities for Imaging Companies," "Wireless Imaging -- Infrastructure and Players," and "Image Servers -- Early Adopter Case Studies." Business leaders in over fifty countries worldwide subscribe to its Future Image Executive Information Service. In addition, Future Image produces a series of supplements on the imaging industry jointly with Forbes magazine. Founded in 1991, Future Image is headquartered in San Mateo (CA). www.futureimage.com.