Feb. 13, 2007--Bitstream Inc., the leading provider of variable data and Web-to-print software for personalized marketing, announced today that it is the first PPML producer to be awarded certification by the Print On Demand Initiative (PODi). The company achieved PPML Certification for its Pageflex product line of variable data publishing software. Bitstream is exhibiting this week at the PODi Application Forum in Anaheim, CA. PPML (personalized print markup language) is an XML-based print language developed by PODi, the premier industry association focused solely on the digital print market. PPML enables companies to efficiently produce personalized high-volume print communications that drive meaningful one-to-one "conversations" with their customers. This open, interoperable, device-independent standard can be a key component of an automated variable data workflow. According to PODi, users find that when printing variable data, PPML's caching of re-usable elements delivers up to 10X improvement in print speeds versus simply printing a stream of static PDF or PostScript pages. To achieve certification Bitstream used its Pageflex software to create four "golden" variable data jobs specified by PODi and then generated PPML output. PODi reviewed and certified that the output matched all of the rigorous criteria for certification. PODi developed this PPML Producer Certification Test specifically so that software developers can determine compliance with the PPML specification. "PODi is glad that Pageflex, as one of our longest standing and very active members, is the first of many to obtain PODi certification," says Rab Govil, president of PODi. "Bitstream is proud to be the first company to be certified by PODi as a PPML producer. This continues our rich history with PPML having been instrumental in the development of the standard since its inception," comments Anna Chagnon, Bitstream CEO. "Pageflex users achieve higher response rates, greater market penetration, and stronger bottom lines daily by using our software to produce variable data jobs. With this PPML certification, they can be confident that they are producing valid PPML output, which will streamline and speed up the production of their personalized print materials." The Pageflex product line is the technology of choice for variable publishing. It provides the flexible capabilities needed to produce all things variable, including direct mail, business cards, signage, packaging, and custom books. Pageflex applications offer unparalleled design control with powerful graphic design features created specifically for variable publishing. The Pageflex product line supports users working on a single desktop computer, over an Intranet or Internet connection, or processing jobs through a server farm.