IPDS is a printer device data stream (specific to IBM) that contains the information necessary to identify, monitor, and control the functions of the printer. This information includes the characteristics of the printer, its resolution, what resources it has, whether it has sufficient memory, and whether it receives and prints a job.
IPDS enables a two-way dialog between the printer and the printer driver to create a cooperative print management system. IPDS is device dependent and is unique for each printer.