Another era end: Kodak plan to stop producing digital camera this first half year

According to foreign media reports, have filed for bankruptcy protection’s Eastman Kodak , plans to stop production digital cameras, compact camcorders and digital photo frames in the first half of 2012  to cut costs.

This marks the end of Kodak on era. Kodak filed for bankruptcy protection last month, this company’s bankruptcy is also considered one of the biggest corporate bankruptcy in digital age. Kodak said on Thursday, to exit this business will need to pay about $ 30 million, but It is expected that will save more than 100 million U.S. dollars operating expenses each year.

Kodak said that this decision is a  “the logical extension” of strategy that developed recently, this strategy is to improve the profit margins of the camera business by narrowing product portfolio, business areas and the number of stores. Recently, this company’s 3/4 income comes from digital business, now shift attention to looking for franchisees to expand its brand licensing program.

This company says, it will continue providing online and retail photo printing and desktop printers. Besides consume business, Kodak also has business operations, including business services, graphics, entertainment and commercial film department. The consume services retained by the company, also include photo-processing machines in retail stores and computer printing system.

Kodak said it had contacted its retail partners and is working together with them to discuss how to ensure an orderly transition of the camera business. The company also committed, it will be responsible for all related products’ warranty,  and provide technical support and services for the cameras, compact cameras and digital photo frame.