Through the agreement, Bitstream becomes an Alliance Partner within Canon's Workflow Program, whose partnerships also include DirectSmile, EFI and X-Rite.

The deal gives Canon customers access to Pageflex's portfolio of products, which include Persona, a desktop variable-data tool that generates communications in both print and HTML email formats.

In addition, Pageflex Storefront offers a customisable online portal that allows customers to order personalised documents from a branded storefront.

Chas Blanchard, professional solutions marketing manager of Canon Europe, said "print doesn't operate in a vacuum" and is more likely to be part of a "cross-media marketing campaign".

He added that Bitstream's Pageflex is a welcome addition to the "burgeoning Canon Workflow Program", which gives imagePress users the "ability to offer integrated marketing campaigns and secure new revenue opportunities".

Bitstream chief executive Anna Chagnon called the combination "perfectly suited to deliver cutting-edge personalised print campaigns".

No information was available as to what support is on offer to help printers take advantage of the software.