A postage metering system comprising: primary accounting structure including a primary computer, the primary computer including structure for sequentially metering respective postage values for printing on respective sheets, the primary computer including structure for detecting a plurality of fault conditions, the primary computer including structure for disabling the metering means when the detecting structure detects a selected fault condition; printing structure including a printing module and printing computer, the printing module including printing apparatus and structure for sequentially feeding thereto each sheet of a batch thereof having a predetermined plurality of sheets, the printing computer including structure for transmitting a first request for connection of the printing structure communication with the primary accounting structure for receiving therefrom respective postage values for printing on respective sheets; the primary computer including structure responsive to the first connection request for causing connection of the accounting structure in communication with the printing structure if the metering structure is not disabled, the primary computer including structure for causing disconnection of the accounting structure from communication with the printing structure if connected in communication therewith when the metering structure is disabled; and the printing computer including structure for transmitting a second request for connection of the printing structure in communication with secondary accounting structure for receiving therefrom respective postage values for printing on respective sheets if the metering structure is disabled.