Ideas

I like your idea of using number strings. Remembering addresses is just not my thing... I would think a nine digit code would be sufficient:

latitude + longitude + floor = address
(one day, people will live above 100 floors)

Have you checked out this site?
http://stevemorse.org/jcal/latlon.php

Not a bad idea, but I imagine there would have to be a huge shift in all technologies. I know having zip codes longer then 5 characters still have not filtered to every system.

yeah i was trying to think of how to accomplish that "shift in all technologies" i mean, a tiny bit of software with an internet connection would be the only thing required by anyone trying to find your house but how do you get that in the hands of all the places that might need it, from Bank of America to Dominoes right? i think if you could get started with the post office and some shipping companies it could be useful, then branch out from there. i don't know i really just wish i could have it, because i'm moving soon and i don't feel like re registering my address with all my student loans and my utility and credit card companies... boo hiss... i do like the latitude longitude idea, but that kinda takes me out of the picture

wow man! i love ur idea!

Ten digits would only give you 10!=3,628,800 unique possibilities. Alphanumeric would greatly increase this. However, my Mac software fills in just about any form I come across automatically based on my contact info. I am not in the habit of using public computers to fill in forms. Not sure where the benefits are here.
Further, if such a service existed, I would not be happy if I suddenly started getting piles of unwanted advertisements based on my private info. You probably need to rethink and retool somewhat.
I love the idea to simplify the process of moving (having moved numerous times) however, the logistics you propose are not too clear.

Most GPS systems use the LAT+LONG formula. I can see one day that's all we use. It's simple, and covers the entire globe. Plus, you won't need to convince the transportation companies to adopt, yet, another set of numbers in their systems...

Let me know if you want to proceed with this idea. I think it has a lot of potential. ;)

The post office all ready has there own system for this!!!! Ever see a business mail reply letter. There is a code printed on the bottom of the envelope (A kind of bar-code with long and short lines) with all the address information and there is also a code number!

Scratch that, I now realize you mean a secondary code that always stays the same regardless of address change.

As for that the US post would not go for this you need verification that you legally live at that address. They have there own set of rules.

bcforrester, i think a ten digit number yields possibilities 0000000000 through 9999999999 which would be 10,000,000,000 (or 10^10) unique strings thats a billion to spare if everyone in the world gets it, shotgun the all zeros number

moggu, please lets proceed whats the next step?

10! (10 factorial for those who fell asleep in math class) gives the number of strings using only the numbers 0-9 without repeats. (10 possibilities for the first digit, 9 for the second... and so on)

ebriz's math is correct. Though personally I would use 12 digits for 10^12 possibilities (1 trillion possibilities) this should leave plenty of room for all of the businesses of the world, future populations and for people with multiple mailing addresses.

I love the idea, I am all for everything that consolidates multiple informations or services (all in one IM client, Paypal to pay for online shopping, etc)

Makes life easier and makes everything go faster. For some reason I am one of those that don't like to keep my personal info on my computer (address, postal code, etc) so I have to type it all everytime. I also tend to use a lot of different computers. That would be a big improvement in my life:)

this would be great. it's annoying when your mail can't be delivered because you get a letter wrong in the name of a streat

ok update to this idea, you come to us, for a fee you keep your address on file with us and give out your address link wherever you want... then you will have a profile on our site where you can check off boxes of companies you will "allow" to view your address, comcast, nstar, paypal, ebay, UPS etc. so we can offer a substantial decrease in junk mail as a selling point, furthermore the idea could extend to your email address and we could provide a decrease in spam too. points to ponder, how to entice companies to come to us when they need your address... how to make this service free (advertising, make the companies pay, etc.)