ROCHESTER, NY. — Eastman Kodak Company has licensed TouchPoint Solutions, Inc.'s CATAPULT platform as a primary component of its retail digital photo-printing infrastructure.
TouchPoint's software will be installed on thousands of new and existing KODAK Picture Maker kiosks, digital mini-labs and other retail photo equipment worldwide as a result of this agreement. According to a news release, more than 50,000 Kodak Picture Maker kiosks are installed worldwide.
The first CATAPULT-enabled systems from Kodak are expected to enter the market by Q3 2005. Financial terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.
Through CATAPULT's centralized remote management system, Kodak can provide proactive service and support to retailers, with the ability to monitor and control in-store equipment, even performing diagnostics and repair. Devices needing attention will communicate automatically with Kodak technicians and store personnel.
CATAPULT's real-time reporting, marketing analytics, and content management tools will enable retailers to understand and adapt to usage trends and customer behavior. Greater connectivity between Kodak’s family of Picture Maker kiosks and digital mini-labs help ensure consumers benefit from more engaging ways to share their lives through photography.
"Kodak is committed to maximizing the digital printing opportunities for our retail customers," said Patrick King, vice president, Eastman Kodak Company. "With its expertise in remote management, TouchPoint can help Kodak deliver proactive service for greater device up-time, targeted promotions for higher product sell-through, and additional value-added offerings made available through CATAPULT."
"CATAPULT will strengthen Kodak’s already solid technologies and offerings to expand its successful consumer digital printing strategy," noted Anila Jobanputra, president, TouchPoint Solutions, Inc. "CATAPULT will help retailers get more out of their Kodak equipment, and consumers will ultimately benefit through improved access to Kodak pictures and service. We're proud to share this vision with Kodak."
