Kodak has released a video of Jeff Hayzlett sharing his perspective on industry suppliers competing with their customers.

In an email to Print CEO about the video, Kodak states, "Hayzlett talks about the responsibility that suppliers have to make decisions that will bring success to customers and the benefits of working together as partners. Kodak’s recently launched “Print and Prosper” consumer campaign is designed to educate customers on the true costs of inkjet printing and provide a more cost effective alternative. Similarly, Kodak embraces its responsibility to help commercial customers understand the dynamics of the market and the opportunities to drive new business. By helping its customers find success, Kodak ensures its own success, and continues its commitment to delivering the industry’s broadest portfolio of integrated solutions."

The video is clearly targeted at HP and the HP MarketSplash initiative which has received industry criticism (See the recent video interview with Carl Gerhardt, CEO of Allegra Network).

Kodak faced similar criticism in March 2007 when it launched the KODAK Creative Network. At the time Kodak stated the service was launched "in response to requests from our customers to drive more demand for print business." Industry reaction to the service was not positive. Further clarification was provided by Jeff Hayzlett in an interview with WhatTheyThink: Hayzlett Clarifies Kodak’s Print eCommerce Network Strategy. Kodak discontinued the service five months later citing member feedback.

There are at least two lessons from the HP and Kodak initiatives: 1) industry suppliers should be wary of competing with the printers it supplies. And 2) printers don't want suppliers to get between them and their customers.