The purpose of communication technology is to allow humans to interact more efficiently and effectively. At it's best, technology will extend human communication models; for example, creating the means for an on-going dialogue, which allows businesses to communicate with a greater level of intimacy with customers in order to serve them better.
Consumers prefer that businesses use the mail to communicate with them over the telephone, email and other channels. As mail finds a new niche as a communication channel, technology will be developed to help make it more efficient and effective. This column is about emerging technologies in the mail industry.