BIRMINGHAM, England--At IPEX 2002, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) unveiled details on NexTremeTM -- the first variable data application to output in the new optimized PPML/VDX open standard developed by the Committee for Graphic Arts Technologies Standards (CGATS). Designed for productivity, NexTreme software works with the NexPress 2100 digital production color press. It enables the creation of high-value and high-variable jobs -- including personalized, customized and automated Web-based fulfillment materials -- helping high-volume clients generate higher response rates, and print service providers to strengthen relationships and achieve greater success. Designed for Productivity NexTreme software provides production efficiencies and savings by leveraging the full power and capability of the NexStationTM front end. Unlike previous variable data applications that process each page completely in sequence, NexTreme takes advantage of NexStation's parallel processing while batch processing. As a result, it can powerfully compose jobs with great performance -- allowing for more flexible job scheduling, higher volumes and longer runs in shorter times. Users can leverage their knowledge of popular page-layout programs, because NexTreme software works with popular design applications QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign. For designers, it provides the ability to integrate variable text, images and graphics into personalised, customized print projects using these familiar programs. In addition, everyone involved in the workflow process saves valuable production time and costs with platform-independent PDFs. The software is the first variable-data solution that allows soft-proofing -- locally or remotely -- of any page in the job, with every element of variable content in place. Proofs are created as platform-independent PDFs and can therefore be viewed on any computer. An Open Design Employing the new PPML/VDX open standard, NexTreme combines the capabilities of PODI's Personalised Print Mark-up Language (PPML) to encode the layout of variable data with Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) proven openness, reliability, mobility and on-screen proofing performance.> As a result, NexTreme software integrates seamlessly with current workflow so printers maintain their workflow practices, software and equipment. In addition to working on both Apple Macintosh and PC platforms with QuarkXPress and Adobe InDesign applications, NexTreme software also accepts a full range of database formats - from ASCII files and direct integration with ODBC databases, to direct programming, "tagged" file formats and COM interfaces and automated fulfillment systems. "Heidelberg has always been an advocate of open standards in the industry, believing that one size doesn't fit all types of variable data applications," said Wolfgang Pfizenmaier, president of Heidelberg's Digital Solution Center. "We support the use of VDX as an open standard, and encourage others to develop VDP applications. In the end, clients will get printed materials that elicit higher response rates and better returns on investment, which in turn will drive industry growth." Configurations and Availability NexTreme software can be scaled quickly to meet the expected growth in a printer's business, without wasting initial investments or the need to learn new software. NexTreme software is available in three compatible versions: * NexTreme 50, for production setup, proofing and small volumes * NexTreme 100, for higher volumes of work and faster composition * NexTreme 1000, for intensive, server-based variable data composition Available in 90 days, NexTreme 50 will be bundled with the NexPress 2100, and NexTreme 100 will be bundled with the NexPress 2100 Plus and Pro models. Printers will easily be able to upgrade to the next level by contacting their local Heidelberg sales representative.