PhotoChannel Networks Inc and PassAlong Networks to Launch Digital Music Service Featuring Convenient One Hour In-Store Pick Up
Popular online photo solution diversifies with a new tune: on-demand, interoperable music service
VANCOUVER, BC – February 23, 2006 – PhotoChannel Networks Inc. (TSX-V:
PNI and OTCBB:
PHCHF) (“PhotoChannel” or the “Company”) the leading innovator in online digital media solutions for retailers introduced in conjunction with PassAlong Networks a Digital Media Platform that provides customers with the ability to purchase digital music online and then pick up a CD of their selection(s) within one hour at a nearby retail store, as is now offered for digital photos.
- The new service has been requested by PNI’s larger retailers and will launch later this year, providing the following features:
- An enhanced, cross-media e-commerce destination
- A fully-featured digital download service complete with more than1.6 million songs
- Ability to purchase music online, select in-store production, and pick up a customized CD within one hour at any compatible retail location
- The option to download music straight to a consumer’s PC
- Tracking of digital rights from within a customer’s online account
- Customized jewel cases complete with track listings and screened CD’s for orders fulfilled in-store
“Only 5% of today’s music sales result from digital downloads,” says Dave Jaworski, CEO of PassAlong Networks. “If we are to grow the market, we have to make the process easier, more convenient and completely interoperable across all platforms and devices. The PhotoChannel-PassAlong Platform accomplishes this objective and will drive the digital revolution to the next tier of users.”
PhotoChannel’s PNI Digital Media Platform currently powers the online photo solutions for many top retailers and their thousands of locations across North America, including Wal-Mart Canada, CVS/pharmacy, Eckerd Drugs and Costco Canada. The inclusion of PassAlong’s technology into PNI’s platform provides retailers with the opportunity to earn revenue from sales generated by a catalog of more than 1.6 million songs from artists worldwide, including exclusive live concert material powered by PassAlong’s Concert-of-the-Future™ initiative.
“We are pleased to be in a position to provide such a cutting-edge service,” says Aaron Rallo, CTO of PNI. “It is a testament to our partner, PassAlong Networks, and our platform that we are in a position to bring this to market. The
unique features we are delivering for our customers gives them several points of differentiation. We offer the consumer a great service and additional reasons to walk into the store.”
About PhotoChannel
Founded in 1995, PhotoChannel operates PNI Digital Media to provide services for major retailers, wireless carriers and content providers. The PNI Digital Media Platform connects consumer ordered digital content with retailers that have on demand manufacturing capabilities for the production of merchandise. Currently PNI Digital Media generates transactions for retailers and their thousands of locations across North America, including Wal-Mart Canada, CVS/pharmacy, Eckerd Drugs and Costco Canada. For more information please visit www.pnidigitalmedia.com.
About PassAlong
PassAlong Networks provides solutions that revolutionize the way people experience digital entertainment. Its B2B2C technology platform — p2pREVOLUTION™ — includes a suite of private-label applications that enable clients to offer their customers a unique digital media experience. PassAlong powered digital music stores provide the end-consumer with over 1.6 million licensed songs and the industry standard Passing-and-Points™ program. p2pREVOLUTION offers interoperability through FREEDOM™ which provides cross-platform, multi-format security, rights protection, and media empowerment for both content creators and content users. PassAlong's Concert-of-the-Future™ initiative extends the live experience beyond traditional limits, empowering fans with detailed, accurate and relevant concert notifications through OnTour™ and empowering venues and artists to offer exclusive, wirelessly-delivered content before, during and after an event. Founded in 2002, PassAlong Networks is privately held and based in Franklin, Tenn. For more information visit http://www.passalongnetworks.com.
For more information, Contact:
Mr. Kyle Hall or Ms. Niti Maini
PhotoChannel Networks Inc.
604-893-8955 ext.313
nmaini@photochannel.com
Investor Information: (866) 345-0115
WARNING: The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained in this release. The Company relies upon litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements.
