Systems and methods which are adapted to generate multiple indicia in a single secure environment session are described. Embodiments provide for generation of a plurality of postage indicia in a single postage security device (PSD) transaction, whereby the PSD loads and unloads corresponding virtual PSD information a single time for generating the plurality of postage indicia (i.e., in a single secure environment session). The indicia generated in a same secure environment session according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by a same, single user. Additionally or alternatively, the indicia generated in the same secure environment session may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by multiple different users.

A postage generating system and method that allows for the generation of postage without the use of a PSD, while still maintaining the necessary data integrity and non-repudiation aspects. The cryptographic and accounting functions are performed separately when an indicium is generated and reconciled to ensure that every transaction is properly accounted for and funds are deducted from the user's account. The cryptographic functions for an indicium are performed utilizing a cloud-based Hardware Security Module (HSM). Transaction records for indicium generated by an HSM are stored in a database. The accounting is performed by a transaction server, separate and remote from the HSM, to make updates to the client's account to account for generated indicia. An Integrity Monitor Server monitors the consistency of the transactions, i.e., that every transaction performed by an HSM is properly accounted for by the transaction server and funds are deducted from the user's account.

Postage generation and management systems are provided in which hardware security modules (HSMs) are used to perform cryptographic operations instead of conventional postal security devices. Virtual PSD data is stored in a database and processed by the HSMs, allowing for improved security and scalability.

A method and apparatus for generating a Value Bearing Indicium (VBI) for on-line ticketing applications. A VBI may be generated by hashing user information to create a message digest that is used to create a digital signature. The digital signature is combined with the user information to create a VBI that can be validated by a variety of stand-alone or on-line methods. An on-line ticketing application using the VBI is described.

A method and apparatus for generating a Value Bearing Indicium (VBI) for on-line ticketing applications. A VBI may be generated by hashing user information to create a message digest that is used to create a digital signature. The digital signature is combined with the user information to create a VBI that can be validated by a variety of stand-alone or on-line methods. An on-line ticketing application using the VBI is described.

Systems and methods that allow only a single PSD to be used for a customer regardless of the number of servers in the system are provided. This is accomplished by allowing each server to communicate with the other servers in the system, such that each server can determine which customer PSDs are coupled to each of the other servers. As requests are routed to a first server by the load balancer, if the first server does not have the specific customer's PSD installed, it can determine which server has that customer's PSD and forward the request to that second server. Once the request has been processed by the second server, the response is sent back to the first server that received the request for return to the customer.

Systems and methods which are adapted to generate multiple indicia in a single secure environment session are described. Embodiments provide for generation of a plurality of postage indicia in a single postage security device (PSD) transaction, whereby the PSD loads and unloads corresponding virtual PSD information a single time for generating the plurality of postage indicia (i.e., in a single secure environment session). The indicia generated in a same secure environment session according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by a same, single user. Additionally or alternatively, the indicia generated in the same secure environment session may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by multiple different users.

Systems and methods which are adapted to generate multiple indicia in a single secure environment session are described. Embodiments provide for generation of a plurality of postage indicia in a single postage security device (PSD) transaction, whereby the PSD loads and unloads corresponding virtual PSD information a single time for generating the plurality of postage indicia (i.e., in a single secure environment session). The indicia generated in a same secure environment session according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by a same, single user. Additionally or alternatively, the indicia generated in the same secure environment session may comprise a plurality of indicia requested by multiple different users.

A method and apparatus for generating a Value Bearing Indicium (VBI) for on-line ticketing applications. A VBI may be generated by hashing user information to create a message digest that is used to create a digital signature. The digital signature is combined with the user information to create a VBI that can be validated by a variety of stand-alone or on-line methods. An on-line ticketing application using the VBI is described.

Systems and methods that allow only a single PSD to be used for a customer regardless of the number of servers in the system are provided. This is accomplished by allowing each server to communicate with the other servers in the system, such that each server can determine which customer PSDs are coupled to each of the other servers. As requests are routed to a first server by the load balancer, if the first server does not have the specific customer's PSD installed, it can determine which server has that customer's PSD and forward the request to that second server. Once the request has been processed by the second server, the response is sent back to the first server that received the request for return to the customer.