Canon to conduct learning programs for children

In the coming summer vacation, school children across the country will get
the chance to take a close look at functioning of printers and learn about their
features and usage. This initiative has been taken by Canon to educate children
about the basics of printers so that the product becomes more consumer friendly
in the digital arena.

According to Canon, Indian market has reached a stage where printers are not
limited only for official usage and their utility is expanding for day-to-day
use, thanks to the fast emerging digital ecosystem.

"Indian market is maturing for photo printing and it is the right time to
introduce such kind of programs at the early level so that the customers
consider printer as a consumer product. Customers are highly enthusiastic for
owning digital cameras and this trend opens windows for a large printing
market," said Rachna Datta Choudhary, Manager Marketing, Canon India.

The printer-learning program is scheduled to begin in April 2007 and will
continue for three months in A-class schools across top 20 cities in the
country. Canon is aiming to host the program in 100 schools and has selected
Kerala as the first state to hold the learning session.

"We have selected Kerala to begin the program because of its strong market
and high level of education. Further, it will be stretched to other states,
though many plans are at the ground level and we are yet to come up with a final
schedule," said Choudhary. Choudhary further said that concept of printing at
home is at the growth stage in India and it is very essential to feel the pulse
of the customers to understand their demand and nature of printing requirement.
While roping in children for the printer-learning program, Canon is aiming to
build awareness and educating kids about the latest technology and does not
intend to increase sale through it.

With this initiative Canon aims to create an environment where photo printing
is considered as a domestic affair with the expanding market of digital
photography.