Fax, facsimile, telefax or telefacsimile – these are just some of the many names used to refer to the telephonic transmission of documents and images to another telephone number connected to a printer or output device of some sort.
Facsimile technology has a long and interesting history. However it wasn’t until 1964, when the first commercial fax machine was introduced by the Xerox company. From that point onwards, fax machines have become a part of everyday life.
In recent years however, the fax has begun to feel like dated technology. That has prompted some to wonder, “is the end of the fax machine upon us?”
More importantly “can I fax online?” The answer is a resouding “Yes!” It’s not only possible, it’s easy, fast, and often free.
In today’s post we’ll tell you how to fax online, including both sending and receiving faxes. But first…
Why Is Faxing Still Around?
The internet has taken over almost every single aspect of our lives and has allowed us to share information with just a few clicks. In fact, the internet, along with email, have changed the way we work.
With just a scanner and an online connection, or even just a smartphone, documents and images can be shared effortlessly. In stark contrast, fax machines require a physical machine, paper, ink, a dedicated line, and can take several minutes to send a single page.
All of this has resulted in reduced usage in favor of other communication methods.
So why is faxing even a thing?
Well, not everyone has given up faxing. Not by a long shot. Many industries, governments, and organizations still rely heavily on the humble fax technology. Contracts, health forms, and other formal documentation also drive significant fax usage.
Furthermore, fax technology has been around for more than half a century and is deeply integrated into many business process systems.
Even in Japan – a nation on the cutting-edge of innovation – faxes are still very much a part of daily life. This can be attributed to several reasons – for example, much of the senior management in Japanese businesses are well into their 80s. Thus, they are not very computer literate. Japanese culture places a great deal of importance in handwritten notes.
All of this, can present a problem for the many among us who have long since recycled our fax machines.
Good thing for the internet and faxing via smartphone app.
The Shift to Faxing Online
Fax technology has evolved together with the introduction of WiFi and smartphones. As a matter of fact, newer generation services utilize the PSTN network, or the T.38 protocol, which allows fax machines to be VoIP compatible, unlike the older T.30 protocol.
This gives virtually anyone the ability to send a fax over the internet or email. Options include faxing directly from a website, or even more conveniently, using a smartphone app. There’s no need for a fax machine, a fax line, or paper. Everything is electronic.
FaxBurner is one such option.
Introducing FaxBurner
FaxBurner has nearly 1 million subscribers, offering an easy, modern way to send and receive faxes online. Not only that, our service catalogs incoming or outgoing faxes – via email and the cloud. All accessible from your phone or computer.
Best of all, this convenient fax method is inexpensive or even free for infrequent users. And for regular users, a small monthly fee covers everything. Either way, when compared to the more traditional fax machine the expense is modest, and offer a host of conveniences and environmental benefits.
How to Send a Fax Online
Just get yourself an account, online or via our Android or iOS app. Depending on how many pages you need to fax get yourself a free or paid account.
How to send a fax via the app:
- Just enter the fax number you wish to send to
- Add cover letter notes
- Then attach a PDF to fax, or use your smartphone camera to “scan” a printed document
How to send a fax via email:
- Using the email address you used to open your account, compose an email to send@faxburner.com
- Put the fax number in the subject line
- Put the cover letter notes in the email body
- Attach the document to the email
How easy is that? A copy of your fax will be sent to your email, and saved in the cloud.
How to Receive a Fax Online
As soon as you create your account you can “Request a fax number” via the app or online. Simply give out your fax number, and you’re done.
You’ll be notified of your incoming fax on your smartphone, and a copy of the fax will be sent to your email, and saved online in the cloud.
Easy peasy!
Conclusion
Fax technology has proven time and time again that it has staying power. And it remains one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods of transmitting formal documents and images. Even in an age where the internet reigns supreme, businesses still need to be able to send and receive faxes.
That’s where online faxing from FaxBurner comes in. It’s fast, convenient, and inexpensive or even free. Perhaps it’s time to ditch your fax machine, and make the switch!
