Resources for Fax Server Software

Fax machines aren't a dead technology, but they can be bulky, expensive, and they're not exactly portable. But software or an online service can turn your PC into a handy fax machine. Some of the benefits include:

1. Integration with email programs and business applications that let you send faxes almost as easily as printing a file.
2. Archiving sent and received faxes on your PC to retrieve or review at any time.
3. With the online services, receiving faxes even if your PC is disconnected from the Internet or phone line. You pay a monthly fee for the service, however.
4. Free service through some online fax companies if all you need to do is receive (and not send) a few faxes. You may have to agree to receive fax-based marketing messages in return.

Choose basic fax software for your PC

If you have Windows XP, the built-in fax service can cover basic faxing needs for individuals and small businesses. (You may have to install the program from your Windows XP CD.) Third-party fax software solutions, however, often come with a broader set of features as well as technical support.

Choose an internet fax service

Internet fax services let you use a combination of Web browser and email to send and receive faxes, and they come with a dedicated fax number that you can give to clients or business partners, which you can upgrade to a toll-free number. Plus, Internet fax services can easily scale with your business as you send and receive more faxes or add employees.

Choose enterprise fax software for your whole business

If you send a large number of faxes or need to integrate fax capabilities with a broad array of business applications, you're going to need robust fax software and maybe even a fax server.

• Monthly Web fax service subscriptions can start at around eight to twelve dollars and set a limit of how many faxes you can send or receive, typically 100 to 200 of each, then charge per fax over the limit at seven to ten cents each.
• Internet faxing can turn your Blackberry, Palm or other portable device into a fax machine, too. Some services will send the fax as a message your cell phone.