IDEAlliance Launches New Mail.dat User License Code Program

Under the program IDEAlliance will be enforcing its rights under its trademark to insure compliance. Under the new program for the distribution of Mail.dat User License Codes, IDEAlliance will provide Royalty License Agreements in three categories:

• Specification Originator/Modifier: Principally develops and licenses user access to software that creates an originating Mail.dat and/or Mail.XML file/message set, i.e., one that is constructed using detailed information and postal sorting results not derived from existing Mail.dat/Mail.XML files, and openly advertises Mail.dat/Mail.XML support as a benefit.
• Specification Modifier: Principally develops and licenses user access to software that modifies the content or enhances the structure of existing Mail.dat and/or Mail.XML file/message sets and openly advertises Mail.dat/Mail.XML editing capabilities as a benefit.
• Specification Dependent: Offers services dependent upon or substantially enhanced by Mail.dat/Mail.XML files and either requires Mail.dat files or Mail.XML to perform the service or offers a tangible advantage via the specification.

“Each year IDEAlliance funds nearly $100,000 for the ongoing development and maintenance of the specifications that support the efficient print distribution of our members,” noted David Steinhardt, president and CEO, IDEAlliance. “IDEAlliance sought the support of the mailing software developers’ community for a new model to fund the development of Mail.dat and Mail.XML. The Mailing Software Developers Group stepped up and responded and are being Good Citizens to fund an industry-wide standards development process that is key to the mailstream.”