News

Fuji turns to IBM for photo kiosk rollout

June 16, 2002

ARMONK and ELMSFORD, N.Y. -- Technology provided by IBM is providing Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc. the impetus for the rollout of its new self-service, digital imaging kiosks.

Fuji officials announced on June 17 that the company and IBM are completing the first round of installations of Fuji kiosks and photofinishing digital lab systems to retail stores throughout the United States. The release did not include figures on how many kiosks are being deployed.

IBM Net Vista PCs are being used to power Fuji's Aladdin Digital Photo Center, which is being deployed throughout June. The kiosk allows consumers to order digital prints directly from a variety of digital media, including CDs, Zip disks, and SmartMedia. Consumers can also customize print orders and edit pictures using the kiosk.

Fuji is one of several photography companies deploying digital photofinishing kiosks. Eastman Kodak Co.'s Picture Maker kiosks are the largest deployment in the kiosk industry, with an estimated 35,000 units worldwide.