A new agreement between KODAK Service and Support, iPORT Media and its subsidiary Sidewalk Digital, will provide medical practices with rapid installation of digital signage patient education systems. Kodak's involvement will include conducting site surveys to help minimize staff disruptions, and seamlessly integrating the digital signage equipment within the existing office environment of dermatologic, optometric and plastic surgery practices.

"Working with Kodak provides our customers with professional expertise, speed-to-market and high levels of support throughout the entire installation process," said Howard Weiner, Chief Operating Officer, iPORT Media. "Users of iPORT's digital broadcasting networks receive a single source provider to quickly and effortlessly implement digital signage as appropriate for the environment of each practice."

iPORT Media sought a service provider to help meet the rapid growth of medical professionals seeking to utilize direct-to-patient communication technology in their marketing efforts. iPORT Media's patient education systems, comprised of high-definition monitors, speakers and dedicated computers, provide medical practices with a private broadcasting network which airs informational programs and features on patient procedures.

The iPORT Networks include:

• The Your Life, Your Skin Network, created for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery,
• The Michelangelo Network, in alliance with the American Society of Plastic Surgery,
• and iPORT, which supports optometric professionals and shares partnerships with major lens labs, including Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

"These types of solutions demonstrate how digital technology can be used as a useful tool to better inform patients about procedures," said Bernadette Lodico, General Manager, KODAK Service and Support, Kodak's Business Services and Solutions Group. "Kodak will use the installation process as a way to provide physicians with the greatest benefits from their investment in the iPORT Media system."