Kodak's Jim Langley: The Future of Graphic Communications

Jim Langley, President of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company, made that and other observations at IPEX 2006 during a wide-ranging address that touched on communications, technology, and the business trends and opportunities shaping the graphic communications industry.

Discussing the future course of the industry, Langley stressed that printing now exists in a digitally integrated, global commercial landscape. Print providers, accordingly, have to adapt to three major trends: the proliferation of new modes of communication; the development of a new commercial geography; and the necessity of new business models. Prospering in this environment requires a merging of conventional and digital technologies in a blended production environment.

"Looking ahead, two things are evident. First, for many years to come, paper based communication is going to remain strong," said Langley. "Second, how we get information on paper will continue to involve a mix of technologies and processes - connected through a unified workflow."

Langley emphasized the importance Kodak places on providing a true unified workflow - an end-to-end digital infrastructure for conventional and digital printing that integrates business, production and color workflows - to help print providers achieve greater revenue opportunities and operational efficiencies.

"Others in the industry are beginning to recognize what printers have known for some time and what Kodak has been promoting: Blended production environments are here to stay for the foreseeable future and it is critical to have a unified workflow to drive productivity enhancements," noted Langley.

The rapidly changing nature of the graphic communications industry means, Langley concluded, that printers' success depends largely on having the right partnerships with customers, suppliers and technology - and in adding value as a partner.

"As printers, you do have something genuine and differentiated to contribute," said Langley. "You have the uniqueness of print, with all its history, remarkable achievements and amazing resilience. These are things to be proud of and to build on. And Kodak is here to help you do that."

The entire text of Langley's remarks can be found at http://www.graphics.kodak.com.

About Eastman Kodak Company

Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator, providing leading products and services to the photographic, graphic communications and healthcare markets. With sales of $14.3 billion in 2005, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak's system of digital and traditional image capture products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using KODAK solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; Creative Professionals rely on KODAK technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images; and leading Healthcare organizations rely on Kodak's innovative products, services and customized workflow solutions to help improve patient care and maximize efficiency and information sharing within and across their enterprise. More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at http://www.kodak.com.

For more information about Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, visit http://www.graphics.kodak.com.