LANHAM, Md.-- Group 1 Software, Inc., a Pitney Bowes Company, today announced it is echoing the Postal Service in recommending that U.S. mailers prepare now for more stringent address validation requirements, which have the potential to significantly reduce the number of mail pieces qualifying for postal discounts. The Postal Service issued its recommendation in a February 2007 letter, which confirmed August 1, 2007, as the implementation date for the new coding certification cycle. To support the preparation effort, Mail Efficiency experts from Group 1 Software are hosting free "Ask the Experts" consultations at the National Postal Forum, taking place at the Washington Convention Center, March 25-28, to educate mailers on the implications of the upcoming delivery point requirements, as well as strategies for mitigating the impact of these changes and maintaining maximum postal discounts. Show attendees can visit the Pitney Bowes/Group 1 Software booth (#459) to schedule their individual or small-group appointment. The Postal Service relies on certified address-matching software to help ensure the accuracy of addresses on mail pieces that qualify for postage discounts, through the assignment of a proper nine-digit ZIP code. Beginning on August 1, 2007, the process by which a nine-digit ZIP code is added to an address will carry an additional requirement that the address include verified primary number (or delivery point) information, such as street, PO Box numbers, and Rural Route Box numbers. Addresses that do not have confirmable delivery point information will no longer be eligible for postal discounts. "Put simply, mailers who are not prepared to meet the new delivery point requirements as of August 1, 2007, are likely to see a two-to-five percent decrease in the number of mail pieces eligible for postal discounts," said Christopher Baker, president of Group 1 Software. "We strongly encourage all mailers to take advantage of the consultation opportunity at NPF to educate themselves on the implications of these changes and to learn about the technologies that are available to lessen the impact of these changes on their bottom-line." More information on the Postal Services' August 1 address validation requirement changes, including tips for maximizing postal discounts in this new environment, are available online at www.g1.com by typing "Address Quality Hub" into the search box.