HCL Infosystems with Kodak India has announced an agreement for distribution of Kodak digital cameras and related accessories pan India.
The agreement is for a pan-India distribution of Kodak digital imaging products. The digital lifestyle and personal technology products category is growing by leaps and bounds and Kodak is projecting strong growth rates in the category of Digital Imaging. India has emerged among the fastest growing markets for digital cameras worldwide, with shipments forecasted to jump from 8 lakh units in 2007 to 2 million units by 2010. HCL, with its extensive reach across channels and organized retail (including the HCL DigiLife Stores) is expected to be a major force multiplier for Kodak. HCL will also be responsible for Kodak institutional sales pan India.
Announcing the distribution tie-up with Kodak, Mr. Hari Baskaran, Executive Vice-President, HCL Infosystems Limited said, "HCL sees digital imaging products as a major growth category over the next few years. Kodak, with its well-established brand and market leadership in the imaging business, is an ideal partner to consolidate our leadership in the digital lifestyle arena. Our tie-up with Kodak is a reflection of our ‘digital lifestyle' strategy that aims to position HCL as the premier player bringing digital lifestyle products to the Indian consumer.”
Commenting on the tie-up, Mr. Ravi Karamcheti, Managing Director, Kodak India Private Limited said, "Kodak aims to bring the latest digital imaging technology to the Indian consumer. We are pleased to have HCL Infosystems as a partner in our quest to offer one of the widest ranges of digital imaging products to our consumers. India is at a very interesting stage with respect to the way pictures are being clicked and managed .We have been maintaining our leadership position in a very dynamic market and this step will take us yet ahead in the industry.”
Kodak currently has one of the most extensive Consumer Digital Camera portfolios. There are at least 12 Kodak models available at retail at any point in time, with price bands ranging from Rs. 7,999 to Rs. 19,999. Whether it is a Point & Shoot customer or a high-end consumer, Kodak understands the Indian consumer best and brings on board a large variety in their portfolio. Currently, Kodak's Point & Shoot range starts at 6MP & they intend to go up to 12 MP within the year with their compact lifestyle cameras.
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