System and method for wireless user interface for business machines

An external processing system for use as a user interface to a mailing machine comprising:

• a processor;
• memory connected to the processor, the memory storing a program for controlling the processor and storing user data;
• a wireless communication system connected to the processor;
• and
• the processor operative with the program operative for:
• establishing a connection with an authentication server;
• sending user data and authentication data to the authentication server and a request for machine access data;
• receiving machine access data from the authentication server in response to the user data and the authentication;
• and
• establishing a wireless communication user interface link to the mailing machine using the machine access data.

A method for using a co-located external user interface having a wireless interface for printing indicia for evidencing postage using a mailing machine having a wireless interface in the same proximate location as the external user interface comprising:

• obtaining mailing machine access data;
• establishing a secure wireless communications connection with the mailing machine using the machine access data;
• obtaining a desired postage value;
• facilitating the accounting of the desired postage value;
• encrypting postage value data;
• and
• sending the encrypted postage value data to the mailing machine.