Apparatus and method for a modular postage accounting system. An open system
metering device of the present invention includes a general purpose computer, a
digital printer and a secure metering device (SMD). The SMD performs the accounting
functions of a postage meter and generates encrypted postage indicia data for transmission
by the computer to the digital printer and subsequent printing on a mailpiece by
the digital printer. Postage credit data can be entered into the SMD using a computerized
meter resetting system just as it is in a conventional postage meter.