MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 2002--FotoWire, a pioneer and market leader in e-photofinishing infrastructure, today disclosed its active participation in the International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) initiative to provide increased photofinishing choices for consumers to get photographic quality prints from digital images. FotoWire is an active participant in the I3A organization, ensuring that the Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe) will be successfully established for the benefit of both consumers and photofinishers. In addition, as FotoWire is incorporating the CPXe format in its online photofinishing infrastructure and the CPXe organization directory of CPXe-enabled services will be ready to list the 750 Fotowire-enabled Internet print service locations.

FotoWire is a strong supporter of the CPXe initiative - and the first
company to fully endorse the protocol for listing all various CPXe-supported
imaging services.

The CPXe format benefits both FotoWire and the all the processing locations
on its network, as the standardization will help drive online processing
traffic. Digital imaging consumers who use cameras from all manufacturers
will now be able to send their images to any CPXe-enabled lab for
processing.

"As an active contributor during CPXe phase one definition activities
FotoWire was instrumental in helping the initiative group refine its
concepts", said Jack De Marti, chairman of the CPXe initiative. "As the
initiative moves into its second phase, we are extremely pleased to see
FotoWire's continued yet increased level of commitment, with the company's
decision to become one of the first to support the CPXe Directory Service as
an executive member. I am confident that FotoWire will continue to play an
important role in the development and evolution of CPXe."

FotoWire's on-line photofinishing infrastructure connects digital imaging
consumers and on-line photofinishers for image processing. CPXe will further
enable the transmission and printing of digital images between digital
cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital
minilabs and photofinishers -- regardless of the type of digital camera --
PC or operating system they use. CPXe will allow consumers to upload,
download and order prints of digital pictures at any retail location with
any type of photofinishing equipment used by the retailer. The enhanced
flexibility of CPXe will further support FotoWire's on-line infrastructure
business and the new standard will eliminate any existing compatibility
issues between the time of image capture, image transfer over the Internet
and image processing.

"As all of the influencing companies within the imaging industry are
participating in the I3A initiative, I am confident that this organization
will be able to fully establish the CPXe standard within the digital imaging
community," said Patrick Serex, co-founder and CEO of FotoWire, Inc. "In
turn, the new standard will simplify the entire printing process - and the
experience overall - for consumers who print from either a local desktop
printer or an on-line photofinisher. Since the inception of the first
consumer-level digital cameras were developed, standard compatibility has
been a major issue. CPXe will make a big difference in helping the consumer
digital imaging business grow," he added.

The CPXe network architecture and a directory of services will be managed
and supported by I3A. The directory, which is open to any company to join,
will provide a robust listing of service providers, including the current
FotoWire 750 Internet Print Services located in more than 24 countries,
worldwide, a number that is growing rapidily. Using this directory,
consumers will be able to quickly locate compatible services using familiar
search criteria, such as a zip code or type of service. For example, a
consumer could request a list of vendors that offer in-store pick up, one
hour service and are located in the consumers' area.

CPXe uses existing Web Services standards such as Universal Description,
Discovery and Integration (UDDI), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and
XML, which makes it easy and less costly for camera manufacturers to build
connections to CPXe compliant service providers. CPXe is an example of Web
services providing real benefits to consumers.

About FotoWire

Providing end-to-end infrastructure for more than 750 Internet Print
Services in 24 countries, FotoWire is both the pioneer and the global market
leader of on-line photofinishing. Founded in December 1996 and based in
Menlo Park, CA, FotoWire Inc. provides photo industry vendors, wholesale
photofinishers and minilab operators with specific, award-winning,
patent-pending solutions for the digital image processing that closely
matches their current commercial and production processes. FotoWire is on
the Web, at http://www.fotowire.com.

FotoWire is a registered trademark (Reg. U.S. Pat. Off.) of FotoWire.Com
S.A. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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 the product of the merger of the Digital Imaging Group
(DIG) and the Photographic and Imaging Manufacturers Association (PIMA).
Information about I3A can be found on the World Wide Web at www.i3a.org.

About CPXe

CPXe is an International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) Initiative group
of companies that are working together to provide more opportunities for
consumers to print their digital images. Technology companies, software
makers, camera manufacturers, imaging companies, and online photo services
providers - are working within I3A to develop a set of open standards that
will enable digital camera users to make prints of their images from
anywhere in the world. A core group of companies have begun work on the open
standards and network which are scheduled to be completed by the end of
2002. For more information about CPXe, visit www.i3a.org
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Contact:

FitzGerald Communications, Inc.
Scott Signore, 617/692-3210
[email protected]
or
FotoWire, Inc.
Patrick Serex, 650/216-6777
[email protected]