Internet Fax

Internet faxing is a method of receiving faxes via e-mail attachment either in .PDF (portable document format ) or .TIFF (tagged image file format ) formats. Since faxes are sent over the Internet rather than via phone lines, this method of document distribution is usually called Internet fax. It may also be referred to as e-mail fax, online fax, electronic fax, e-fax or even digital fax.

 

In order to gain access to Internet fax, users must first sign up for a service from an Internet fax provider. This enables the user to receive faxes as electronic documents.

 

Key advantages of Internet faxing include eliminating the need for a fax machine and extra phone line, faster receiving of documents, savings as high as 93 percent compared to traditional fax, and ability to read faxes on-screen (desktop computer or mobile devices).

 

There are many Internet fax providers that offer different packages. In order to get the best combination of features and flexibility from an Internet fax service, users will have to look for certain factors, features and qualities before buying or signing up. Some of these are outlined below.

 

Connectivity:The user will have to check with the service provider regarding  connectivity. The user should be able to receive faxes either via e-mail or online using a Web-based interface. Connectivity should be available wherever there is an Internet connection. This is an important feature for mobile workers. The user should always be able to receive faxes, forward them with a note if required and save them to a PC or other device.

   

Hidden charges: Different Internet fax services have different plan rates. The user will have to check for the hidden charges. Fine print should be read carefully. Some providers charge when the user has received more than a certain number of faxes in a given time period. Careful selection has to be made and all limitations of the service plan should be understood before making a decision.

 

File formats: Internet fax files should be  received either in the PDF file format or TIFF format. The user will have to check with the service provider for the availability of different file formats.

 

Flexibility: The Internet fax service should be capable of supporting multiple e-mail addresses online and should also support a change of number as and when required.

 

Quality of service: The user will have to look for good quality of service from the service provider. The service should have both the capacity and reliability along with back-up option when the network is down. Test-driving a service can provide answers to questions, and many providers offer free trials.

 

Scalability: Users should look out for only those services that can provide increased capacity as the users business grows, without having to change numbers.

 

Competitive prices and limitations: Internet fax services charge monthly fees and many limit the number of documents that can be received. Typically, service providers offer 300 fax pages per month.

  

Customer support: The user will have check whether the provider offers good customer support, preferably available 24/7.

 

Requirements:  The user will have to check whether there is any requirement for additional software to be downloaded, in order to receive faxes. This increases the total cost of expenditure for the user. A good service will allow transferring of faxes without additional software.  

 

Local and toll-free numbers: The user will have to check for the type of fax number issued, whether local or Toll-free. The user will also have to check if there are any extra charges for the toll-free number.