I3A Common Picture eXchange environment -- CPXe -- V2.0 Initiative Now Open for Participation.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

HARRISON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 2004

The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A), the leading global association for the imaging industry, today announced open enrollment for the Initiative to create Version 2.0 of its cutting-edge suite of specifications, CPXe.

All interested companies are invited to join I3A and sign up to participate in the new Initiative, which just received approval from I3A's Management Committee. The enrollment form is available for download from the I3A Members-Only Web site, at http://members.i3a.org (member password needed). All companies may learn more about CPXe and how to join I3A at www.i3a.org.

Based on an open-standard Web Services framework, CPXe enables the global transmission of digital pictures, order and commerce information between any and all digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers. By incorporating CPXe, imaging device and software vendors give their customers a seamless connection to a range of digital imaging services. Released in February 2003, Version 1.0 of the CPXe specification is available for free download from the I3A Web site, www.i3a.org.

CPXe Version 2.0, which was announced at PMA 2004, is building on the foundation of Version 1.0 to incorporate important new features including real time transaction logging to enable dynamic business-to-business transactions, access to storage services and support for composite products such as albums, greeting cards and calendars. I3A expects that Version 2.0 will be ready for release by the first quarter of next year.

Participants in the development of CPXe have included I3A member companies Agfa-Gevaert, Beaufort Solutions, Canon USA, Digimarc, Eastman Kodak, Fuji Photo Film, Hewlett-Packard, Konica, Noritsu Koki, Olympus, Pixology, Shutterfly and Silverwire. Additional companies are now invited to join the CPXe Version 2.0 Initiative.

"Participants to date in I3A's CPXe initiative have been leading the way in enabling the interoperability of imaging services," said Lisa Walker, president of I3A. "We're looking for additional innovators to help develop the important new functionality in CPXe Version 2.0, which adds significant business transaction capability as well as advanced image handling functions."

Picture Services Network, Inc. (www.pictureservices.org) is helping the industry unleash the full potential of CPXe by providing the PSN Directory Service. This global directory provides immediate access to an online database of photo service providers. Obtaining listings in the directory is separate from membership in PSN or I3A.

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 an accredited Standards Developing Organization, serving as secretariat for the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 42 (ISO/TC42) on Photography, and as administrator for the USA Technical Advisory Group for this committee. Information about I3A can be found on the World Wide Web at www.i3a.org or by phone at 914-698-7603.

I3A 58th Annual Leadership Conference Registration Now Open

With the shift from film to digital and the meteoric rise of mobile imaging, the industry landscape is changing dramatically every year. In such an environment, knowing what's coming next and how to deal with it will make the difference between "just getting by" and prosperity. This year's I3A Leadership Conference provides a unique view into what's ahead in the world of imaging. Get all the details on the event and register at www.i3aleadershipconference.org -- the first 50 registrants will receive a free gift courtesy of 30 Minute Photos Etc.