An Post has introduced a certification service for electronic communications. Initially, it will target the business community, extending next year to private individuals. The certificates will act as electronic "passports" to authenticate electronic commerce transactions.

A similar service is being developed by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, and both will use Baltimore encryption technology. According to Mr Brendan McMorrow, who has developed the service over the last five years, An Post will compete directly with the Chambers of Commerce and any other entrants to the electronic certification market.

An Post hopes its existing customer base and trusted reputation will ensure the service's success. Despite the rapid growth of electronic commerce, a primary barrier to universal adoption is the absence of a reliable system to secure and authenticate electronic documents.

An Post's Post.Trust is part of an international collaboration with 11 postal administrations worldwide. Mr McMorrow says the Post.Trust service will adhere to the same procedures and policies as its international counterparts.

The service will only be available to closed user groups, such as financial institutions, government departments and legal firms initially. They will in turn extend the certification service to their customers or suppliers. An Post's charge will be linked to the number of certificates issued to parties within a communication, and will vary across organisations.