STAMFORD, Conn., Mar 21, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) today launches StreamWeaver 6.0, an enhanced version of the leading print stream engineering software. Offered through Pitney Bowes docSense, StreamWeaver 6.0 helps organizations reduce document production costs, continue the use of legacy software applications and maintain the purity of their print stream data by modifying documents in the post-processing environment prior to print production.

"StreamWeaver 6.0 simplifies the development and testing of document engineering applications to ensure fast production-ready results, decreases the document time-to-market, collects workflow data for efficiency reports and commingles print streams to take full advantage of United States Postal Service discounts," said Joe Chmill, product manager, StreamWeaver.

StreamWeaver 6.0 includes an optional Professional Workstation that makes it far easier to use for both novice and expert users to re-engineer print streams much faster and more efficiently. A Dynamic Script Creation feature allows users to create StreamWeaver application scripts without knowing the syntax of the StreamWeaver language.

"The 'what you see is what you get' Document View lets users see composed images of input and output documents graphically-in their current state, working state and after changes are applied," said Chmill. "The finished product is ready for the print shop."

Software upgrades to StreamWeaver 6.0 are available immediately. For information call docSense technical support at (800) 283-1527.

"StreamWeaver allows users to consolidate, add color to, enhance and customize documents to improve their look and content, making them more attractive and easier to use for customers. In addition, StreamWeaver supports file-based processing, which optimizes intelligent inserter technology, and automates manual processes such as print suppression for digitally delivered documents and document regeneration," said Chmill.

"There is a crisis looming in the $6 billion document creation industry. As trained application developers retire over the next few years, organizations that have invested millions of dollars in core business applications will turn to new personnel for the re-engineering of mission critical documents," said Karl Schumacher, president of Pitney Bowes docSense. "These young professionals will likely lack the specific programming language expertise needed to enhance output without impacting underlying systems. Pitney Bowes developed StreamWeaver 6.0 to simplify document modifications without changing legacy applications and writing new COBOL, Assembler or 4GL code."

StreamWeaver 6.0 flaunts a powerful new engine that supports file sizes greater than 2 gigabytes on all platforms and has been enhanced to support Finalist 7.40 for the 2002-2003 Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) cycle required by US Postal Service to reduce returned mail and obtain faster delivery through USPS automation handling.

"Users can also inspect and test application changes by utilizing actual system resources, such as print fonts, to speed turnaround time," Chmill added. StreamWeaver also allows legacy data to be routed to multiple output media, facilitating a mix of web- and/or paper-based presentment options.

"The Hierarchical Tree-structured Project Manager provides central management of all StreamWeaver projects along with a single access point for sharing projects in whole or in part with built in security features for optional limits on access."

StreamWeaver is used by such Fortune 500 firms as AIG, Verizon, Sprint, Aetna, AT&T Merrill Lynch, JC Penney, EDS, Conseco, IBM, The Gap, GE Capital, MBNA, Met Life and many more who want to avoid the cost or delay involved in rewriting or reprogramming applications at the mainframe or midrange platforms -- and to customize the output from third party software products. StreamWeaver supports all major print streams such as and provides the flexibility for document design and manufacture.

Pitney Bowes Inc. is a $4.1 billion global provider of leading edge integrated mail and document management solutions headquartered in Stamford, CT. Pitney Bowes docSense is the company's global provider of premier solutions for the creation and distribution of efficient and effective documents in paper and digital form. For more information, please go to http://www.pitneybowes.com or 1-877-5-docsense.

     Contact:
     Scott Gerschwer
     Media Relations
     Pitney Bowes docSense
     203-739-3163
     www.docsense.pb.com

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SOURCE Pitney Bowes Inc.

CONTACT:          Scott Gerschwer, Media Relations of Pitney Bowes docSense,
                  +1-203-739-3163

URL:              http://www.docsense.pb.com
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