EventPix Launches Next Generation Software

by P.J. Heller

A new streamlined interface brings major labs onboard

"WHAT WE ARE offering is a full system that is completely automated from the beginning of the image process to the end of the process," says Jackie Applebaum, president and chief executive officer of the leading on-line service. "Our objective is to be partners with the labs." Under its new "HiRez" software system called EPX Express 3.0, photographers can upload low resolution images for viewing and ordering by their clients on the eventpix.com web-site. High-resolution images will remain on the photographer’s desktop. When customers place their orders with the photographer, the EPX Express 3.0 software will automatically extract the high-resolution images for transmission to the lab.

The photographer sets the pricing and sizes available, and collects payment for the orders. Each lab participating in the program can offer its own printing options, from various borders and finishes to products such as calendars and novelty items. Photographers can sign on to the system directly through their labs.

The software is designed to work seamlessly with the Fuji Frontier printer as well as with the Kodak DP2 and Chromira systems. Compatibility with other printers is expected to be added. Labs have the option to output files in many of the standard formats, including JPEG, PSD, BMP and TIFF.

The EPX Express 3.0 software is custom designed for each participating lab to tie directly into their billing system. The program can also be tailored so that the it offers the "look and feel" of the lab’s website.

"Labs can now have a custom soft-ware program branded with their company logo and company identity," Applebaum says. "Clients will con-tinue to use their labs and not be tempted to try other on-line e-commerce options."

Applebaum says the EPX 3.0 system is the ideal way for labs to provide an inexpensive and simple-to-use e-commerce solution for their customers, something that more and more customers are seeking.

"With today’s technology, labs are in danger of losing their customers to other imaging services that offer an Internet presence," Applebaum says. "By licensing the EPX 3.0 software, a lab can provide its customers with a seamless solution for e-commerce with no additional equipment, machinery, space or staff.

"Several of the current on-line services, which charge a percentage of the retail sale, force the photographer to use their lab services," she adds. "With our system, photographers can continue to use their own lab which they know and trust without any additional per print charges or fees."

Zaid Awni, president of ImageXperts in Hollywood, Calif., agrees.

"This will enable photographers to control and keep more of their work in-house rather than having to share it with others," he says. "It makes it much easier for photographers once they have a wedding or event completed to deal with just one lab and keep everything under control. It also makes it more economical for them."

Labs which recently signed on to use the EPX 3.0 software include Buckeye Color Lab in Canton, Ohio, H&H Color Lab in Raytown, Mo., Luck Color Lab in Cleveland, Tenn., Miller’s Professional Imaging in Pittsburg, Kans., and Awni’s ImageXperts.

Awni says he sees eventpix.com helping both photographers and labs.

"This is pretty much the trend of the future," he says. "Almost all photographers to survive have to adopt ways and means of being able to integrate digital technology into their services, whether it’s by using the equipment itself, the technology itself or a combination of both.

"From our experience, there is no simpler or more economical system in the market today than Eventpix," Awni says. "What it does is actually bring wedding and event photographers and their clients into the 21st century and beyond. "It’s also a valuable tool for labs to ensure a seamless integration of their services and expertise with the photographer’s talent," he says. "It’s a technology that every photographer should adopt."

That should be made easier as more labs adopt the program. Applebaum says she expects that by the end of this year more than 100 labs will be signed on to EPX 3.0. Announcements of additional participants are expected later this month.

More information on eventpix.com and EPX 3.0 can be found at www.eventpix.com, by calling (310) 859-9399 or via e-mail at info@eventpix.com.

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EventPix Launches Next Generation Software

by P.J. Heller