What’s new about Fax over IP
Sending a Fax over the Internet can be compared to Voice Over Internet protocol (VoIP) except that the signal is optimized for the transmission of fax data. In general the behavioral pattern followed by IP fax transmitted across the Internet is for the fax data to be directed to a strategically located fax server close to its final destination. From this point the fax data is transferred onto standard telephone lines where it continues its journey as any normal fax. A financial saving to the sender occurs because the total cost for transmission is significantly less as a result of the major part of its journey being on the Internet.
Although the current focus of public attention has been drawn to VoIP, significant commercial savings in the region of 70% are possible through the use of IP faxing. In addition IP faxing should prove both quicker and more reliable as a route with which to handle fax product. Most companies spend significant annual amounts accumulated by delays in the transmission or receipt of faxes to their destinations and because this issue is fairly cloudy it is a difficult one for any company to positively identify, even though the charges in relation to faxes will always be significant. In addition for company’s who regularly send faxes across international borders the notion of utilizing Internet architecture to convey the fax for most of its journey really does mean big savings.
IP faxing continues to appear as a practical and sensible alternative to standard fax devices even when usage is merely occasional. A PC equipped with individual phone line connection/s will be capable of communicating directly either to physical fax machines or modems and fax software. Faxes received in this way will appear as email attachments capable of being printed. In addition checking faxes as you would an email is an easier activity again saving on time wasted.
Other significant savings include hardware, the purchase and maintenance of fax machines, especially those attracting high usage should be added to the manpower costs they attract by requiring an individual’s attention to the sending or receiving of faxes. No new hardware need be purchased to incorporate IP Fax as it possible to create a Fax in a soft word document, click on file/print before selecting Faxlauncher Pro where it is necessary to enter the private fax number and send the fax directly from a desktop to a destination anywhere in the world.
If asked what’s new about Fax over IP the answer needs to include the significant savings to be made, the more convenient and user friendly apparatus to be utilized and the time savings that naturally follow from its use. In addition with a more user friendly, cheaper fax available many companies will more likely opt to send fax over IP instead of by courier post that requires overnight delivery. While fax over IP also makes the problem of not being at the office to receive a fax disappear, because all you have to do is check your email.
So what’s new about Fax over IP? Lots, and the sooner more companies begin using it the better for all, except maybe the telephone companies.