Equisys, a provider of software solutions for document production, delivery and management, has just launched a brand new version of its fax software. The new version called Fax Relay, which is essentially an add-on, gives customers the crucial tools needed to improve all aspects of document-based processes while continuing to cut costs.

The Fax Relay function enables users to send faxes directly from a fax machine located in any office, with the fax being sent through the Zetafax Server. This means that paper faxes are included in the archive along with faxes sent from the Zetafax Client, which is crucial for organizations that must archive all outbound communications for either compliance or other management purposes, a press release stated.

Zetafax enables fax machines and multi-function devices to be connected through one standard network (LAN) connection, while Fax Relay offers a high level of flexibility when positioning multiple units. In addition, Fax Relay helps customers to save a great deal of money, due to the fact that external phone lines are no longer required for these fax machines, and line interface cards are not needed when moving to a Voice over IP (VoIP) or other new phone system.

Zetafax 2011 also boasts an easy to manipulate user interface through a ribbon bar that enables the most common functions to be displayed as large icons on a single ribbon tab. Due to this update and improved ribbon bar, key functions can be easily identified and used from only one click of the mouse.

"With many fax server solutions, the archive only provides those documents sent via the software," explains Gareth Williams (News - Alert), technical director at Equisys. "If a fax machine is still required, for example due to shared PCs or the nature of the environment, any paper document sent is not included in the archive. This means that documents are liable to be lost or misfiled, and that faxes are stored in multiple locations – all of which can lead to delays in responding to queries and issues with compliance. With Fax Relay users send a fax in exactly the same way they normally would but, because it is being sent out via Zetafax, the document is securely stored in the archive which allows it to be quickly and easily retrieved."

The Zetafax Client also allows other applications to process received faxes easily, with the capability to add up to nine actions. According to the release, this function makes it much simpler for users who need to perform additional tasks such as passing to an electronic records management system for processing or storage.

"Zetafax is the fax server of choice for many ISVs who want to provide fax capability integrated with their own solutions," Williams added. "This enhanced function in Zetafax 2011 now makes it even easier for received faxes to be processed which increases productivity. The Zetafax Viewer has also been enhanced to allow more flexibility in the handling and annotating of faxes to enhance the overall user experience."