Pitney Bowes Technology on Display at National Cryptologic Museum

[R. A. Hettinga]

<http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/05-11-2004/0002171630&EDATE=>

Pitney Bowes Technology on Display at National Cryptologic Museum

    STAMFORD, Conn., and FT. GEORGE G. MEADE, Md., May 11 /PRNewswire-
FirstCall/ -- Pitney Bowes (NYSE: PBI), the world's leading provider of
integrated mail and document management solutions, has created a permanent
display for the National Cryptologic Museum, highlighting the history of
cryptography in postal payment applications, one of the most widely deployed
examples of information security in commercial applications.  It showcases the
unique benefits offered by cryptographic technology including the ability for
businesses to securely access and manage funds from remote locations.  In
addition, the display showcases how today's well-known meter indicia or
Digital Postage Mark includes several data elements of secure information
created through the use of sophisticated, modern cryptography.
    "Pitney Bowes has invested more than $1 billion over the last ten years in
its R&D efforts including the development of information security designed
specifically for payment applications," stated Leon Pintsov, Pitney Bowes
Fellow and Vice President, International Standards and Advanced Technology.
"As companies look for secure solutions to help them manage their mail and
documents, our expertise in cryptography, combined with our competency in
managing data and information enables Pitney Bowes to develop solutions that
ultimately make mail a more effective and efficient communications channel for
businesses of all sizes."
    Included as part of the exhibit is an example of cryptographic solutions
from 1979, the mechanical implementation of a one-time pad.  Because this
device allowed the meter operator to add postage to the meter over the phone,
it is an example of the first commercial application of a secure remote
transaction system.  Also included are examples of digital postage marks with
two-dimensional bar codes that ensure the integrity and authenticity of
payment data.  Since their introduction in 1920, postage meters have processes
more than two trillion mail pieces.
    "Today, the presence of cryptologic principles are found in even the most
familiar objects, including auto alarms, cell phones, and automatic garage
doors," stated Jack Ingram, Curator, National Cryptologic Museum. "While many
people may recognize an indicia, many may not appreciate the importance
cryptology has had in its development."
    Located at NSA Headquarters, Ft. George G. Meade, MD, the National
Cryptologic Museum collection contains thousands of artifacts that
collectively serve to sustain the history of the cryptologic profession.
Ranging from rare books, to computers that are barely obsolete, the collection
neglects no aspect of cryptology.  The National Cryptologic Museum is open to
the public; school groups and civic organizations are welcome.  More
information about the museum can be found at
http://www.nsa.gov/museum/index.cfm .

    Pitney Bowes is the world's leading provider of integrated mail and
document management systems, services and solutions. The $4.6 billion company
helps organizations of all sizes engineer the flow of communication to reduce
costs and increase impact, and enhance customer relationships. Their 80-plus
years of technological leadership has produced many major innovations in the
mailing industry and more than 3,500 active patents with applications in a
variety of markets, including printing, shipping, encryption and financial
services. With approximately 33,000 employees worldwide, Pitney Bowes serves
more than 2 million businesses through direct and dealer operations. For more
information about the company, visit http://www.pb.com.

     Contact:
     Christopher Tessier
     Manager, Public Relations
     203-351-7210
     Christopher.Tessier at pb.com
     http://www.pb.com


 SOURCE Pitney Bowes
 Web Site: http://www.pitneybowes.com
http://www.nsa.gov/museum/index.cfm

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-- 
-----------------
R. A. Hettinga <mailto: rah at ibuc.com>
The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation <http://www.ibuc.com/>
44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA
"... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity,
[predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to
experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'

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