While fleeing 8 ½ inches of Rochester snow—which would turn into 15 inches before the storm blew over—I received notice from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) indicating their authorization for the Electronic Postmark (EPM) service to continue. December 19, 2008 will live in the annals of Epostmarks history as major victory and turning point in our development.

The decision came after a difficult proceeding where a small, albeit vociferous, cadre of time stampers argued that the EPM unfairly competed with their business. By garnering support from industry (including Microsoft, Goodmail, Striata, GovDelivery, and Iconix) and government (including legislators from Delaware and Maryland) we were able to overcome these objections.

After a full debate spanning nearly a year, the Commission established foundational concepts regarding the EPM which put to rest questions asked of me previously by customers, investors, and others. Firstly, they recognize that within the private sector “[no business] has the trustworthiness associated with the Postal Service’s brand; and none has the law enforcement capabilities”. Additionally, they recognize the strategic benefit of the EPM indicating that it “provides a technological platform that may serve as a foundation for digital applications offering the trust of the Postal Service”. These conclusions from a Federal regulatory body confirm what we already knew—that the role of the USPS brand in the electronic world includes all of the trustworthiness and enforcement capabilities of the physical world.

PAEA (pronounced "paella"; short for Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act...more) resulted in the legislative branch exerting influence on the future of USPS. With this decision,the executive branch explicitly recognizes the EPM is part of that future and establishes a firm standing for both regulatory and legislative support.

My team at Epostmarks has spent a number of years positioning ourselves to leverage this decision into a successful enterprise. The USPS now has a clear path to move forward and our commitment to the platform will enable quick action.

2009 is shaping up to be a great year!