Press Release: Adobe and Olympus Team to Bring Digital Photography to the Classroom; Companies Collaborate to Make It Easier for K-12 Educators to Take Advantage of Digital Cameras and Photo Editing Software in the Classroom


Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) and Olympus Imaging America Inc. today at the National Education Computing Conference 2005, announced a marketing partnership to deliver digital photography solutions to K-12 schools. The solutions, available through Adobe authorized resellers, combine powerful, easy-to-use photo editing and organization tools, with state of the art Olympus digital cameras and accessory kits.  

The Adobe and Olympus solutions meet a variety of educational needs from basic classroom instruction, to specialized applications such as yearbook, newspaper and sports photography. The solutions come with Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 3.0 software for perfecting, transforming, organizing and sharing photos; and a choice of Olympus digital cameras and accessory kits in a variety of configurations. 
"With the advent of computers in the classroom, and the ubiquity of the digital camera, visual learning is becoming an integral teaching tool, regardless of grade level or subject matter," said Michael Looney, Ph.D., senior director, Education at Adobe. "Together, Adobe and Olympus are making it easier for teachers to inspire and engage their students with digital photography and photo editing technology." 
In June 2003, Adobe launched the Adobe Digital Kids Club, a program designed to promote the use of digital photography in schools. The program provides teachers, parents and students with essential digital photography resources, such as expert advice, training, lesson plans and curriculum ideas, a community to share best practices, and a showcase for student work. More than half a million visitors come to the Adobe Digital Kids Club site each month. The partnership with Olympus is an extension of the program. 
"Olympus is committed to helping educators harness the infinite instructional possibilities of visual learning and digital storytelling," said David Willard, director of marketing and community services at Olympus Imaging America. "We are excited to partner with Adobe and offer schools digital photography solutions that combine our range of products and free resources with Adobe's industry leading software." 
Pricing and Availability 
The solutions are available on a build to order basis from Adobe authorized resellers. The solutions come with Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 and a selection of Olympus camera models including D-425, D-545 and D-595 for easy classroom use, the C-7070 for yearbook, newspaper, sports and general school photography, and the E-1 and EVOLT E-300 digital SLR cameras for advanced photographic instruction. Olympus is also supplying special educational kits consisting of the most useful accessory items including an additional 256K xD picture card, a USB Reader/Writer (xD Picture Card Reader), a carrying case or gadget bag, 4 AA-size Ni-MH batteries and changer (for applicable camera models) and a 2-year extended warranty. 
About Olympus Imaging America Inc. 
Olympus Imaging America Inc is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets. Olympus Imaging America Inc works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples lives every day. Olympus Imaging America Inc is responsible for sales in United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. 
About Adobe Systems Incorporated 
Adobe is the world's leading provider of software solutions to create, manage and deliver high-impact, reliable digital content. For more information, visit www.adobe.com. 
(C) 2005 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo and Photoshop are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

Posted: Tue - June 28, 2005 at 09:39 AM          

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