With (especially business) users on the go more and more, we're finding ourselves less tied to a 'real' office environment. One of the classic tie-downs, though, is the fax machine. Still a useful tool, is there any way to keep the convenience of a fax, but take advantage of new technology and cut the ties to the office? If not, this would be a short article; read on for an explanation and example:
"Email to Fax" and "Fax to Email" services are available from various online companies. Essentially, you pay a monthly service charge to the company, and they give you a phone number you can use for fax transmissions. When someone sends a fax to your number, the fax is converted by the service into an email message that shows up in your email inbox. Usually, the original fax message is attached to the message in pdf format, but other options are available.
To send a fax using these services, you (usually) are given a special email address to send your fax. You compose the email message and attach documents if you want (pdf, doc, xls, etc.). The service converts your message into a fax transmission and delivers it to the destination fax machine. Most of the time, the recipient has no idea the fax came from your mail account and not from a 'real' fax machine.
Pricing for fax>email services varies widely, but (as of this writing) GoDaddy.com offers plans as low as $9 per month, or $13 per month for a toll free fax number.