Microsoft and Fujifilm Team Up for Picture Online Service

In the midst of the busy holiday photo-processing season, Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has teamed with Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc. (www.fujifilm.com) to connect millions of digital photographers with retailers for easy and convenient printing of digital pictures. 

"As the digital imaging market continues to boom, with worldwide images captured expected to exceed 108 billion, it is increasingly more necessary for leaders in the technology and photography industries to collaborate to create solutions that help consumers view and enjoy their photos in new and compelling ways," said Ron Glaz, Digital Imaging Program director at IDC.

Beginning this week, Fujifilm's Get The Picture Online service is accessible directly through the Windows® XP Online Print Wizard, MSN® Photos and Microsoft® Digital Image Suite.

This will enable consumers to order professionally processed digital prints directly from a Windows XP-based PC for pickup in as little as an hour at participating Fujifilm retail photo centers, including those at Sam's Club, Ritz Camera Centers Inc. and Wolf Camera Inc.

"The ability to order prints directly from the Windows XP desktop for pickup at retail within a matter of hours represents a significant step forward in offering new market opportunities for retailers and greater flexibility and convenience for consumers."

The enhanced Online Print Wizard provides an extensible architecture for retailers, such as those on the Fujifilm network, to offer consumers online print-ordering services via Windows XP with no software download required.

"Consumers want high-quality prints from their digital pictures for albums, frames, scrapbooks or just for passing among friends and family," said Howard Locke, product manager for Digital Services at Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc.

Once a photo or group of photos is selected on the Windows XP desktop, consumers can click on the Order Prints Online icon and elect to pick up their prints at the photo center of their choice -- locally or nationally at retailers including Sam's Club, Ritz Camera and Wolf Camera -- or have the printed pictures mailed to their homes.