Remote database support in a multifunction office device

A multifunction device includes a multifunction controller, a first interface for receiving input data from a document source and a second interface for outputting processed input data to at least one printer, and a third interface for coupling to a global data communications network for receiving current document data, as well as up to date recipient contact information therefrom. A graphical user interface is provided to control the operation of the multifunction device, including controlling access to and searching of remote databases coupled to the global data communications network. The remote databases can include, by example, a database of forms, a security database, and a directory database. The graphical user interface can control the operation of the multifunction device for accessing and searching a database containing the recipient contact information for sending at least one of a facsimile or an e-mail that contains processed input data. The global data communications network can be the Internet, and at least one of the databases can be a web site containing the desired information, such as a database of current forms. The multifunction device can also include at least one local database that stores information that duplicates at least a portion of the information stored in the remote databases, where the at least one local database is accessible by the multifunction controller.