Casio in distribution pact with HCL

Casio India, the 100 percent subsidiary of Japan's $6 billion Casio
Computer Company and HCL Infosystems has announced a strategic national
distribution pact for marketing, selling, servicing and distribution of Casio
digital cameras in India.

With this tie-up, HCL would be further consolidating its 'digital lifestyle'
offerings.

Casio have been one of the leading pioneers in digital imaging technology and
are claimed to be leaders in selling digital cameras in Japan. They have a wide
international presence, with more than 70 percent of their overall revenues
coming in from international markets. With Indian digital cameras market
registering robust growth, Casio is sharpening its focus here and have recently
introduced several advanced products, including Exilim-their largest selling
'slim' digital cameras brand.

The latest products in this range include EX-Z600, EX-Z60, EX-S600, EX-Z850
and EX-Z1000. These cameras offer as much as 10 mega-pixels capacity and dons a
host of unique features such as anti-shake DSP (Digital Signal Processors)-a
Casio's proprietary technology, which reduces blurring due to camera shake and
subject movement.

Commenting on the tie-up, T Kyoden, MD, Casio India said, “The Indian
digital cameras' market is going through a very interesting phase. Consumers
have now started to graduate above the 'entry-level' technologies and are
asking for better, more impactful features-which Casio, with its globally
renowned repertoire of advanced digital imaging innovations, is well equipped to
offer. Backed with this technology leadership and now, with HCL's extensive
distribution and servicing capabilities, we are confident of strengthening and
re-affirming our presence in this market. We are proud to announce this
relationship and are looking forward to some nice shots in the future!”

Riding high on the digital imaging wave, Indian digital camera market at a
total value of around Rs 250 crore, is expected to gross more than 100 percent
annual growth in the years to come. IDC, leading international analysts, claim
that India would be amongst the largest growing global markets for digital
cameras and will cross Rs 1,000 crore benchmark by 2010.

Reduction in prices, wider availability and greater awareness on technology
has enabled this push for digital cameras in India.

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