USPS Intelligent Mail barcode packing function?

[Mike Schwartz]

> On Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 09:00:16PM -0400, Jay Ashworth may or may not
> have
> proven themselves an utter git by pronouncing:
> > On Wed, Sep 05, 2007 at 09:04:38AM -0700, Jim Asman wrote:
> > > It looks as though the USPS has already done the "dirty work" for
> >
> > My government, at *work*?

     The USPS has always wanted to provide free computer programs and even
offer free CASS certification services for computer illiterate people and
organizations; especially non-profits.  Unfortunately, it is the companies
who develop barcode and CASS software who put pressure on congress
(subsidies) and USPS high-level management (politically controlled) NOT to
allow the USPS to do this kind of work.  

     There were some compromises.  For example, the USPS is permitted to
take your mailing list in just once and run it through their CASS
certification software, then send it back to you.  After that, you have to
use a commercial product to recertify the list.  This is especially tough on
the non-profits that I work with, like the local humane society.  They used
to have volunteers (well, mostly free jail work-release labor) prepare their
mailings off of labels I would print and zip-code sort for them, but now
they have to pay a local printing shop to do the work.  

     As far as bar codes, my understanding from the last discussions I had
at the USPS training seminars is that the USPS is supposed to offer
"development assistance" on the new intelligent barcode, but they are not
supposed to offer "ready-to-run or integrated" software through their
development web site.

Mike Schwartz