POSTAGE METERING NETWORK SYSTEM WITH VIRTUAL METER MODE

摘要

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