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    The Modern Wisdom of Epostmarks

    Entries in Postal (2)

    Wednesday
    Nov042009

    .POST sponsorship agreement available for public comment

    DateWednesday, November 4, 2009 at 01:37AM

    ICANN recently announced that an agreement with the Universal Postal Union (UPU) had been reached for the provision of the .POST TLD (top level domain). For those not familiar with the global postal industry, the UPU is responsible for setting the rules for the universal network of international postal mail exchanges. One of the world’s oldest intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), the UPU has made another significant step toward embracing and ultimately benefiting the global digital economy by recognizing the autonomy and mission of ICANN despite it's relative youth. 

    I've been hearing about this TLD for quite a few years now and am happy that .POST is likely here for good. The potential of this concept, while often exaggerated, is serious. .POST represents another method for Posts to establish trustworthy destinations online, further expanding their trusted framework for global exchange. The summary of contractual provisions references the UPU special status at ICANN. I find that juxtaposing this special status at ICANN with the special legal authority that Posts have in their native country makes this decision seem inevitable.

    Public comment on the idea is going on until the end of November. Check out the details and comment here: http://www.icann.org/en/announcements/announcement-02nov09-en.htm


    AuthorAdam Grossman | Comment11 Comments | Reference1 Reference
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    Monday
    Dec222008

    No News Like Good News

    DateMonday, December 22, 2008 at 09:59AM

    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!

    AuthorAdam Grossman | CommentPost a Comment | Reference1 Reference
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