August 9, 2005 Australian technology company Momento today announced their first international licensing deal with Brazilian photo-finishing pioneer, Digipix. Digipix will utilise a branded version of Momento’s photobook composition software, secure photobook file format and online presentation tool to extend their existing print services and offer a localised, photobook solution to Brazil’s US$3 billion photographic market. Momento was written up in May in Gizmag.
Since the Momento photobook service was launched in Australia in October 2004, the service has experienced increasing popularity from both the consumer and professional photography markets, attracting thousands of consumer customers, hundreds of professional resellers, several travel-branded book services, and major retail distribution through Harvey Norman stores. Such success has justified Momento’s tag line … the photo album of the digital age.
The free Momento software lets anyone easily transform their digital and scanned photos into a professional-looking book layout which is saved as an encrypted, proprietary file. The file is uploaded to the website for ordering, unlocking and printing, and the final product is delivered as a hardcover coffeetable book. In addition, Momento’s Viewer technology publishes the book as an animated Flash file on a private web page, which is perfect for sharing with family and friends online.
While online photo printing and slideshow software packages flood the market, there are few solutions for converting digital prints to a book format. Momento’s premium photobook solution therefore sets itself apart with its patent-pending, auto page-layout tool (ACE - Aesthetic Composition Engine), easy-to-use but powerful design tools, nine different hardcover book sizes and an optional laminated cover sleeve, all of which appeal to a broad consumer and professional market.
Momento founder and director Geoff Hunt confirmed that, “the Digipix licensing arrangement is an exciting step toward taking the Momento model worldwide. We hope that Momento’s solution will allow existing photo businesses to expand their product range and revenue, and consumers to enjoy a new, convenient and affordable way to print their special photo memories.”
