For those familiar with the old office fax machine, sending a fax online may seem like a daunting task. How is it done? What equipment do you need? Most importantly, why should I or my company switch to a fax online?
All of these questions are often asked by those who are considering this new method of fax. Perhaps the best way to answer these questions is to explain in detail what an Internet fax is and how it is made.
First of all, you should be aware that online faxing simply brings all your faxed activities to the current business activity, directly connected to computers and the Internet. Online faxes simply use your email system and web connection to send and receive all your faxes. It’s as simple and easy as sending an email.
We will not be disappointed with all the technical details of how it works, but we will give you the basics of how to set up an online account or fax number. To use fax online, you must first register with an online fax service provider who will provide you with your own free or local fax number. Some companies will allow you to “enter” your current fax number into their system, but you should first check the company to see if they are doing this and how much it will cost you.
Once you have registered with a fax provider, they will usually provide you with an online fax account or interface, where you can log in and send / receive all your faxes. Or most services have a desktop app that you can download to your desktop and use this to send / receive your faxes. Another way to use your current Windows Outlook Express, as many providers have this as another way to send your faxes. Your faxes are sent as an email attachment, usually as a Tiff or Pdf file, although there are many other types you can use, so check with your service provider first to see which ones.
What you should understand, faxing online is a form of “cloud computing” where your fax services are sent to a third party. They act as your coordinator to manage all your faxes. There are some great benefits to doing this: you don’t need additional phone lines and you don’t need a real fax machine. Also, setup is free and very fast, within minutes you can get your fax number. In a company or business just starting your costs will be very small. And these fax services will be completely destroyed by businesses; so you can easily increase or decrease your fax number without having to pay for additional hardware (fax machines and phone lines).
Another great advantage of using fax to email service in Canada – it is much cheaper than using a fax machine. On average your monthly expenses will cost less out there. And remember, because everything is done online, you have no additional fax line costs, and you do not have to pay for a fax machine. Plus, as it is a paperless fax, it is clear that you do not have the cost of paper, ink, toner or fax storage equipment … all of these costs add up over time.