Digital Imaging Group — DIG — Launches New Wireless Imaging Initiative; AGFA, Eastman Kodak Company, Hewlett-Packard, LightSurf and NETIMAGE Seek Development Partners

Business Wire, April 6, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

Spring Internet World 2000

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2000

The Digital Imaging Group (DIG) today announced the launch of the Wireless Image Transmission Initiative (WITI).

The goal of WITI is to accelerate the adoption of wireless technology in digital imaging devices, simplifying connectivity issues for end users. Digital cameras, photo printers, PCs, and other imaging devices will be able to exchange pictures quickly and easily without the use of software, cables or even computers.

The Initiative is sponsored in its inception by DIG members AGFA, Eastman Kodak Company, Hewlett-Packard, LightSurf, and NETIMAGE. Other DIG members are expected to join in this effort as it moves forward to the next stage of development. Non-DIG members may become involved with WITI and other DIG Initiatives by joining the DIG.

"The DIG plans to fill the gap for wireless imaging solutions by developing an open standard as well as leveraging existing standards when possible," said George Lynch, chair of the WITI initiative group and program manager at Hewlett-Packard. "We plan to take the appropriate steps by first researching the state of the industry, identifying the problems, and then putting the pieces together to create a universal, open solution."

The WITI standard will enable camera, printer, computer and imaging appliance manufacturers to provide end users with effective, interoperable digital imaging transmissions in a wireless environment. For example, people will be able to order pictures from a personal appliance connection via wireless protocols in a home, office, airport or bus stop, and receive them from a photo printer, photo kiosks, or digital picture frame through the use of wireless transmissions.

"Wireless imaging will make it easier than ever for people to do what they want with their pictures," said Lisa Walker, president of the Digital Imaging Group. "And what they want to do is share, with friends, family and business partners without the hassles of cables, driver software, or even PCs."

The WITI team is currently assessing the state of wireless standards. Imaging solutions have special needs compared to other wireless applications. Protocols used to transfer small amounts of text information in a noisy environment, such as reading email over a wireless link, may not meet all the needs of imaging solutions, such as multi-megapixel digital cameras downloading high quality color images to a kiosk, printer or service provider. WITI will leverage existing standards to build an end-to-end solution that allows imaging devices to work together.

The DIG is currently seeking companies involved in the development of products and services involved in end-to-end wireless imaging systems to join in the Initiative. The member companies will work together to help define the activities, directions, and standards upon which this open solution will be based. For more information about joining the DIG please visit the DIG Web site at www.digitalimaging.org or contact the DIG at admin@digitalimaging.org or 650/697-8722.

About the Digital Imaging Group

Launched in October 1997, the DIG is an open-industry consortium created to expand the use of digital images across consumer, business and professional imaging markets and applications. Membership gives companies the opportunity to help define the evolving technical platforms in digital imaging, and to create solutions built on those foundations. Membership also gives participating companies the opportunity to collaborate in future marketing and promotional activities. Further information about the DIG is available at http://www.digitalimaging.org or by contacting the DIG at admin@digitalimaging.org or 650/697-8722.