Patent ID: 8015115

Claim:
A proxy server system using an external collocated processor for providing controlled access to a postage meter from multiple programs executing on the external collocated processor comprising: the external collocated processor executing an operating system, the multiple programs including a multi-purpose software application and executing the proxy server, the external collocated processor including memory and instructions configured to perform the following when executing the proxy server: receiving a proxy server capture request from a multi-purpose software application running on the external collocated processor; if the proxy server is not currently captured, accepting the capture request and if the proxy server is currently captured, providing an error notification; if the proxy server capture request is accepted, setting the multi-purpose software application as an active user entitled to exclusive access to the proxy server; broadcasting an event notice to the operating system executing on the external collocated processor; receiving a postage meter capture request; sending the postage meter capture request to the postage meter; receiving a capture request notice from the postage meter; and sending an associated notice to the multi-purpose software application.