Virtual postage meter with secure digital signature device

A secure postage dispensing system comprising:

• a data center for dispensing postage in response to requests for postage from a plurality of remote user devices, the data center comprising:
• database means for storing data records, said data records including user information and meter information for individual metering accounts, each of said meter accounts being assigned to each of said plurality of remote user devices;
• means for receiving requests for postage evidencing from the plurality of remote user devices;
• means for authenticating each request for postage evidencing using said user information and said meter information corresponding to the metering account for the remote user device initiating the request for postage evidencing;
• and
• means for dispensing the requested postage evidence, said dispensing means including at least one first secure device, including processor and memory, wherein said first secure device obtains said meter information from said database means, verifies the authenticity of said meter information, generates the requested postage evidence, updates said meter information, digitally signs the updated meter information and returns the signed updated meter information to said database means.