Joint online activities to promote the service
eBay sellers without scanning capability or a digital camera will no longer need to rely only on words to describe their products. The auction site has teamed up with the Eastman Kodak Co. and its subsidiary, PictureVision Inc. to enable sellers to easily add photos without using a scanner.The companies formed a three-year strategic alliance that calls for co-branding and marketing between eBay and the 40,000 Kodak PhotoNet retailers. eBay users will be able to bring 35 mm. film to a Kodak PhotoNet retailer where it will be scanned and uploaded to a secure eBay URL. Sellers can then access their images through a co-branded eBay and Kodak PhotoNet online Web interface and automatically attach the images to their eBay listings. "eBay_s innovative use of our Kodak PhotoNet online services and technology to help its users with their auction listings is a terrific demonstration of the power, ease and utility of digital imaging and online photography," said Carl E. Gustin, Jr., Kodak_s chief marketing officer and senior vice president. The agreement also calls for eBay to provide online links to promote the use of Kodak PhotoNet online to its customers for use in eBay auctions. PictureVision, Kodak and eBay said they will also explore other online and offline activities to promote the service.