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January 02, 2008

Internet Fax: The Year in Review, the Year Ahead

By Mae Kowalke, TMCnet Senior Editor

 

You’ve probably heard quite a bit about Internet fax services, and maybe you even tried one or more of the offerings out there. TMCnet took a closer look at the technology by asking Frank Tam, President at Packetel, to share his perspective. Packetel offers a variety of telecom services, including Internet fax.
 
TMCnet: How would you define "Internet fax" and how is that different, if indeed it is, from how "Internet fax" might have been defined a year ago?
 
FT: Honestly, the definition of  “Internet Fax” is not much different than a year ago, but the technology does have more presence and is replacing traditional fax machines at an exponential pace.
 
TMCnet: What were some of the 2007 highlights for Packetel?
 
FT: During 2007, we gained even more customer satisfaction, becoming a highly reputable “Internet Fax” company. We also able to maintain our low monthly subscription rate to benefit customers. And, we added even more geographical coverage, now serving customers in Utah and Tennessee.  Plus, we now accept two new types of payment: “Verify by Visa” and “Master Card Secure Code.”
 
TMCnet: How do you place those highlights in the broader Internet fax market?
 
FT: Offering the lowest prices, the best quality and reliability—that says it all!
 
TMCnet: If you had to pick one event or development that occurred during 2007 that had an impact on the Internet fax market, what would it be?
 
FT: The most important impact is realization on the part of customers regarding how convenient Internet fax is compared to traditional fax. This shift is a significant one that’s driving the growth of the whole Internet fax industry.
 
TMCnet: In terms of technology, what changes did you see during 2007 for the Internet fax market?
 
FT: Internet fFax technology is already very mature, and there are not many technical changes needed. But, Internet fax will blend into today’s mobile technology and make receiving a fax on a mobile device seamless.
 
TMCnet: In terms of business practices, what changes did you see during 2007 for the Internet fax market?
 
FT: Customers seem more concerned about reliability than price. Also, they’re happier and more satisfied when they are able to get a hold of a life customer service rep instead of a series of voice prompts.
 
TMCnet: Looking broadly at all the customer feedback Packetel received during 2007, what trends do you see emerging?
 
FT: We see better customer service, coupled with easy-to-use technology as an emerging trend.
 
TMCnet: Looking ahead to 2008, what changes do you predict for the Internet fax market—both in terms of technology and business practices?
 
FT: In the future, Internet fax will be an essential tool for day-to-day mobile lifestyle. People will receive graphical and text faxes from their PDA, cell phone and portable laptop around the globe. Customer service will go back to the way it was 10-20 years ago: being able to talk to a live rep.
 
To learn more about the topics discussed in this article, please visit the Internet Fax channel on TMCnet.com, brought to you by Packetel.
 

Don’t forget to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers whitepapers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users. Today’s featured white paper is Leveraging Customer Satisfaction.

 
Mae Kowalke is an associate editor for TMCnet, covering VoIP, CRM, call center and wireless technologies. To read more of Mae’s articles, please visit her columnist page. She also blogs for TMCnet here.

 

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