WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Postal Service has authorized a new version of PC Postage that extends the convenience and access of Internet postage for Postal Service customers. The new service - Stamps.Com's NetStamps - enables postal customers to print sheets of individual NetStamps for use like regular postage. "PC Postage products like NetStamps provide increased access to postage, which supports one of our key Transformation Plan strategies to streamline our operations while maintaining universal service," said Wayne Wilkerson, manager of Postage Technology Management for the Postal Service. The earlier version of Internet postage required that postage be printed at the time of mailing and in association with the recipient address. Customers can now use this new form of PC Postage software like regular postage stamps. They can print and store them for future use without worry of expiration. "This new version of PC Postage will be easier and more convenient for use and at the same time it retains the key security elements of Stamp.com's original Internet postage solution," said Wilkerson. Like other forms of PC Postage products, NetStamps allows for printing of variable rates and may be used to pay for all mail classes and special services most widely used by small businesses and household mailers. The PC Postage product category was first introduced in 1999 by the Postal Service with the approval of commercial software for Internet access to postage. Since that time the category has grown to over 390,000 registered customers. Recent market research conducted by the U.S. Postal Service indicates PC Postage products are particularly attractive to small and mid-size businesses. In addition to convenience and ease of use, customers indicate they value features such as software accounting of mailing expenses, integration with other popular software applications, and integration with scales for assuring accurate postage payment. The products also make package shipping easier by integrating free Delivery Confirmation with Priority Mail and online printing of Express Mail labels. PC Postage products are software products made available by commercial developers such as Stamps.com, under the regulatory authorization of the U.S. Postal Service. The products allow customers to use personal computers to download postage value over the Internet and print postage directly onto envelopes and labels using desktop printers. The product designs vary slightly by vendor. All products are evaluated by the Postal Service to determine compliance with the requirements for Internet postage product offerings before market approval is granted. The requirements established by the Postal Service serve to assure secure Internet transactions and accounting of postage value between the Postal Service and its customers.