A system and method for remote postage metering of postage indicia, including
demanding
a desired postage amount and subsequently printing the postage indicia onto a piece
of mail. A user inputs certain necessary information, as well as additional desired
information, into a local processor-based system. The local system then assembles
a postage demand in suitable format and transmits the same to a remote postage
metering device. The remote postage metering device then verifies the demand for
authority to demand and valid funding. Upon verification, the remote postage meter
serves the transaction by configuring a shared device using virtual user device
data structures and assembles a data packet representing an authorized postage
indicia. The data packet is transmitted to the local system for printing. Printing
of the postage indicia may be unaccompanied, or may include additional information.
Such additional information may include destination and return address, machine
readable routing or identification information, or a complete document to be posted.
