From memory the POC was to be paid for and the product was being...

From memory the POC was to be paid for and the product was being assessed against a secure email solution, so that would imply the secured email solution won out?
Now, as far as I am aware there are many secure email solutions, HP, DataMotion, proofpoint, edgeware, symantec, plus plus so why invite Covata to a POC against the likes of such giants?
A highly risk adverse UK government IT procurement department is hardly likely to chose mission critical IT software from an Australian software developer which has no customers and no revenue, no matter how good the software is, are they?
So, Mr Jobsworth who you going to choose for this multi million dollar secured data solution contract?
HP with whom we have been dealing with for 20 years and have 10 billion dollars worth of current contracts OR
Covata, who have won a few awards and have some sheet hot technology? You decide

So, why did Covata go into a POC which would appear to have been so stacked against them? Clearly they must have felt they had a pretty major advantage or why waste the resources?

I'm sure there is a very interesting story behind this POC and hopefully one they will learn from...quickly.