Translating type for a digital age

Despite its small size, Bitstream Inc. of Cambridge has made a big name for itself in the digital text business. Bitstream's font products generate many of the typefaces you see on your computer screen, television, or cell phone. If you work with WebEx Internet conferencing software, or used the onscreen program guide in Comcast's digital cable television service, then you've seen Bitstream fonts in action.

Meanwhile, Bitstream's Pageflex product line lets companies design customized brochures and other printed materials using a Web browser. Brandspring Solutions LLC of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, uses Pageflex Storefront software as part of its online publishing system.

"We've found that Pageflex is the best software on the market today," says Brandspring chief executive Dave Maiser.

Chief executive Anna Chagnon joined the company in 1997 as general counsel, but found she had a knack for day-to-day operations.

"When I came to Bitstream, I wanted to do more than be an attorney," Chagnon says, "and here I am."

Apart from trips to New York and London to watch the latest plays, Chagnon concentrates on driving faster growth at Bitstream. "My goal is for us to be a lot bigger in all the markets which we serve."

Chagnon attributes last year's performance to solid sales increases across Bitstream's entire product line. "It really was a combination of all of the products that we'd been developing in new markets starting to take off."

HIAWATHA BRAY