A global peripheral device (GPD) sharing system enables users to remotely utilize various peripheral devices via a connection, such as the worldwide web (Internet). Client software is loaded on the computers associated with the users and the owners of the peripheral devices. A centralized GPD server is connected to a storage and queue appliance for maintaining a function queue, such as “print files”. A GPD sharing method is also provided for providing users with temporary or permanent functional access to remote peripheral devices, which can be accessed through PCs or dedicated devices connected to the GPDs owned by the device owners. The GPD system operates cross-platform permitting users and owners of peripheral devices to communicate although they may not be using the same computing platform, or only one party has a license for software or a peripheral device.