XP to Have Photo Print Site Links

Microsoft Corp. said it will include a link to the Web site of closely held Shutterfly Inc. in the new Windows XP operating system to allow users to order prints of digital photos.

The software maker plans to offer three choices to order photo prints online, said Jim Cullinan, a Windows lead product manager. In addition to Shutterfly, there will be a link to an MSN site that allows users to order prints from Fuji Photo Film Co., and the third hasn’t been announced yet, he said.

Eastman Kodak Co. , the biggest photography company, complained this year about Microsoft’s plans to give more prominent placement to Microsoft photography software in Windows XP. Microsoft made changes to the operating system, which will go on sale Oct. 25. , in response to Kodak’s criticism.

Kodak is negotiating with Microsoft to be listed in the “Online Print Wizard,” along with Shutterfly and MSN’s Fuji service, said Kodak spokesman Anthony Sanzio.

Shutterfly is an Internet photo-processing company based in Redwood City, Calif., backed by Jim Clark, a founder of online pioneer Netscape Corp.

Netscape is now owned by AOL Time Warner Inc.