Rochester, NY (PRNewswire) January 19, 2012

The liveliness of the bright yellow fields of the film faded. The iconic Eastman Kodak Co., once a giant in the film industry, has applied for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code. Established in 1881 under the auspices of the inventor, George Eastman, the company was a pioneer in photographic equipment and cameras, the conversion to digital technology.

It is not more

a Kodak moment, experts say, the Rochester Institute of Technologywho talk about the decline of fighting and opportunities for the global industrial and commercial technology giants in Rochester, New York

The following findings of experts from E. Philip Saunders College of Business and RITS RITS College of Imaging Arts and Sciences

The company’s perspective

Tessoni Daniel, assistant professor of accounting in E. Philip Saunders College of Business RITS:

? The Eastman Kodak Chapter 11 was not unexpected. Registration means that the company was creating the ability to spend money from its continuing operations is not sufficient to satisfy his creditors, may.
? The good news is that it is time for the management of a business plan that, if successfully executed, you can come out of Chapter 11 is a financially healthy organization would give to buy. The fact that the company can make a $ 950 million line of credit securely and is looking for an excuse bidder for the patent portfolio that seeks to make money, enough time for the company a sustainable business model to deliver.
? Finally, it remains the big question. Is there a sustainable business model underlying Eastman Kodak’s financial problems? The companies have successfully demonstrated by Chapter 11 filings because they are able to create a financially viable business plan to deliver.
? While Eastman Kodak’s management continues to trust in his ability to create a successful business pressure, it has no observable or tangible evidence to support this view. To Kodak’s financial performance improved, its employees, retirees continue, creditors and other stakeholders with a high risk

John Ward, a former Kodak employee and teacher in RITS E. Philip Saunders College of Business.

???? Kodak has raised many post-bankruptcy assets. While the value of the brand over the years has declined, it is still very strong on a global basis. They have an excellent portfolio of intellectual property in the imaging area at the heart of the new solutions are. They have great people around the world. They have a strong product lines in the areas of commercial printing. These assets are large and are probably the basis for a successful go-forward model of the post-bankruptcy.
? You press the button we do the rest was the slogan for one of the most unique business models in history. The model is available to people with a highly valued way to capture and preserve their memories for an estimated more than 100 years. There is a chance for a few companies to have a similar, easy solution for the entire system from recording to present to the preservation and access in the digital space. Chances are.
? The photography market that Kodak was dominated by a unique, profitable model. Each captured image as a piece of high-margin film used, and sometimes one or two pieces of high-margin paper. Add this profit on the sale of the film, frame and processing, there was a huge value creation. With digital, there are gains from the sale of the camera, but there is little else did. The cake has shrunk rapidly, and when Kodak had the largest share of the cake that they feel the most pain.
? One of the things that probably Kodak’s plans conflict with the transition of most of the lack of consumer pressure. Kodak is well positioned to be a part of the market to grab his photo-printing, ink jet and thermal solutions.
? In the late 1990s and early 2000s it was clear that digital photography would replace traditional photography. What was uncertain was the rate at which the change to take place would be. In the short term oriented world of American business, it would be very difficult for a CEO of Kodak, distortions in the direction of a rapid deterioration to prevent their film and paper business. So the incentive to always bias towards a lower rate replaced, and it slowly bleed to running the company in the past decade.
? Even if Kodak has a rapid shift to digital imaging, the net impact on Rochester, NY emphasis would be made, is very similar. The reality is that digital cameras and other imaging devices are likely to be produced abroad. Kodak would be a much leaner company in the lower margin world of digital competition, to be independent.

historical and photographic perspective

Therese Mulligan, professor and chairman of the Council of RITS School of Photographic Arts and Sciences in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences

???? Eastman Kodak’s bankruptcy marks the end of an era of larger-than-life legacy of a giant picture industry, and the beginning of another. For most of history the company has a leading force in Rochester, especially in support of educational institutions, such as George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, and Rochester Institute of Technology and the School of Photographic Arts and science.
? In an entanglement of the tale of ambition and innovation legions of Kodak employees have their diplomas at RIT, so put different areas such as professional photographic representation, photographic science and engineering and technology, to name a few.
? At RIT today not a single student who is not affected by the legacy of companywhether walking through the quad and Hall, George Eastman’s behalf, by a professor who taught the bear to Kodak building, participation in an annual photo education Panel supports each fall by the company in one of the companies mentioned, or a digital photo lab or with the products of the company donates to students for their educational experience.

Davidhazy Andrew, Professor of Photography and Imaging at RITS School of Photographic Arts and Sciences in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences

???? Let us not forget that Kodak is not alone in this dilemma. Film giants like Agfa and Ilford and Fuji also felt in those days, the impact of the digital revolution.
? Kodak, the industry in helping set photographic standards. The research and development department, in my opinion, was second to none in terms of changes in the industry and the highest standards, the other benefit.
? Kodak helped RIT in general and the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences in particular, with substantial support from over the years than any other company. This has partly contributed to the creation of a symbiotic relationship. Many graduates RIT Kodak will contribute, especially in the areas of the process engineering, mathematics, electrical engineering, economics, etc.
? While some of them, the Kodak was working in the business of the camera, they were not. It is a chemical, Film Production Corporation. They basically provided the consumables (film) for the masses such as Mobil, Chevron and others provide fuel. When the demand for petrol disappears, that these companies work to keep water? Built Cars? Sales of electricity? I dont think so. An element that also consider other was a bad move to sell Eastman Chemical

Malcolm Spaull, chairman of the RITS School for Film and animation at the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.

???? In a little surprised that it happened because the sale of shares films and process chemicals, while slowly decreasing, is still very profitable.