Monday January 22, 8:45 am Eastern
Time
Press Release
SOURCE: PhotoChannel Networks Inc.
North America's leading independent
photo specialty retail cooperative group selects PhotoChannel Networks
Inc. to deploy PRO imaging network Addition of Over 400 Stores Brings PhotoChannel
Network Membership to Over 1360
STAMFORD, CT and VANCOUVER, BC, Jan.
22 /CNW/ - PhotoChannel Networks Inc. (ME: PNI - news; OTC-BB: PHCHF -
news; "PhotoChannel"), a global, open and secure digital imaging network
company, today announced that the Photographic Research Organization Inc.
(PRO), a cooperative group of North America's leading independent photo
specialty retailers representing over 400 store front locations nationwide,
has issued a letter of intent to select PhotoChannel to develop and deploy
the PRO Online Imaging Network in conjunction with The PhotoChannel Network.
As a member of The PhotoChannel Network,
a participating retail store location with a digital minilab will be able
to process and print orders it receives for photo prints over The PhotoChannel
Network. PRO members will have their own branded, unique photo sites where
they can upload their customer's pictures for viewing, editing, sharing
and reorder. PRO members' customers can also upload their own digital camera
images to PRO member web sites allowing them to order prints from the PRO
member location. PhotoChannel will list each PRO member as a print fulfillment
member of the Network and will make available to customers of PhotoChannel
and other members of The PhotoChannel Network the option of ordering prints
and other photofinishing products from PRO member stores.
The solution provided to PRO comprises
the entire PhotoChannel photo e- commerce software suite, including facilities
for uploading and downloading image data via the Internet, utilizing PhotoChannel's
version of the Genuity/Nortel Virtual Private Network technology, and generating
print orders on demand at any PRO member location with digital printing
capability.
"We are very pleased PRO has chosen
the PhotoChannel Network technology and business model as the right one
for their members to extend their digital operations into the future,"
stated Geoffrey G. Briant, CEO of PhotoChannel. "The PRO members are marquee
partners we look forward to working with. The PRO decision is an endorsement
of the openness of the fast growing PhotoChannel Network solution as the
platform of choice for leading edge retailers."
Mike Worswick, President of PRO added:
"As the umbrella organization for our owner/operators who are the acknowledged
industry leaders in pioneering new photo services for their customers,
we wished to further expand our members offering of digital products and
services. Our members expect to be the leader in bringing new features
and services to their customers and with the PhotoChannel solution we have
ensured those same customers will be satisfied well into the digital future.
It came down to the business model for us. PhotoChannel offered everything
we were looking for in terms of technology under a model perfect for our
members' business. The PhotoChannel Network will set the trend of the future
of photofinishing."
ABOUT PRO
The Photographic Research Organization
Inc. (PRO) was founded in 1958 by a small group of photo dealers for the
purpose of fostering the growth of the specialty photographic retailer.
From those humble beginnings, PRO has grown into a comprehensive member
owned marketing organization that includes more than 140 of the top photo
specialty retail companies in the United States. PRO members are focused
on enhancing the strength of the independent photo retailer through innovative
marketing and leading edge technology.
ABOUT PHOTOCHANNEL NETWORKS INC.
PhotoChannel is an e-commerce and
Internet infrastructure company catering to members of The PhotoChannel
Network to meet the needs of their film and digital photography customers.
The Company's PhotoChannel website
is also syndicated for online portals and communities where online photo
print services for consumers are required for both conventional film and
digital photographers. Syndicated sites feature the PhotoChannel website
features available at www.photochannel.com including Preview, Edit... THEN
Order Prints; photo sharing as photosites, albums and shows; extensive
photo news and information services; and, online shopping for cameras,
accessories and supplies.
THE PHOTOCHANNEL NETWORK is a global,
open and secure digital imaging network linking consumers directly, or
through syndicated sites at online portals and communities, to members
of The PhotoChannel Network with digital minilabs and digital photo kiosks.
PhotoChannel(TM) is a registered
trademark of PhotoChannel Networks Inc. All products and company names
mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
PhotoChannel
Networks Inc.
Per:
Geoffrey
G. Briant
Chairman
& CEO
PhotoChannel Networks, Inc.
Certain statements in this announcement,
including statements concerning PhotoChannel's plans, intentions and expectations,
contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions
and estimates of management at the time the statements are made and are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
These statements are not guaranties of future performance and are subject
to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements that speak only as of the date of this announcement. Factors
that could affect PhotoChannel's actual results, include, among others,
PhotoChannel's recent change in business focus, anticipated losses, unpredictability
of future revenues, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results,
unproven business model, ability to make additional acquisitions, risks
related to acquisitions, achieving adequate market share, brand awareness,
competition, risks of maintaining and creating new business relationships,
management of potential growth, risks of system interruption and risks
of international operations. More information about factors that could
potentially affect PhotoChannel's actual results is included in PhotoChannel's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the Form
20-F related to PhotoChannel. PhotoChannel undertakes no obligation to
update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information,
events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
For further information
PhotoChannel Contacts: Corporate
Contact: Melvin R. Reeves, Tel: (203) 667-0002, mreeves@photochannel.com,
www.photochannel.com
Investor Contact: The Investor Relations
Group, Tel: 1-800-444-9214, (604) 689-5255, photochannel@invrel.com, www.irgnews.com
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