Postage metering network system with virtual meter mode

摘要

A system and method for postage metering provides a plurality of client modules (20) on a network (10). A local postage security device (40) (PSD) is coupled to a first one of the client modules (20) and a remote PSD (40) is coupled to a second one of the client modules (20). The local and remote PSDs (40) include respectively first and second unique identification, postal value storage and digital signature generator. The first client module (20) is connected to a remote data center (5) that includes third unique identification, third postal value storage and a third digital signature generator. The first client module (20) selectively requests one of a first evidence of postage payment from the local PSD (40), a second evidence of postage payment from the remote PSD (40) and a third evidence of postage payment from the data center (5). The first client module includes a printer (22) for printing the selected one of the first, second and third evidences of postage payment on a mailpiece.