Given the ever-changing communication platforms, running any type of business can be a daunting experience. Even seasoned business owners need to stay up to date and take full advantage of any new ways to communicate.
Internet fax uses an online account and the Internet to send and receive faxes via email – usually in an email attachment. Faxes can also be sent to regular fax machines.
Granted, online fax services have been around for a while, but they offer great advantages or advantages over the old traditional fax machine. These advantages cannot be ignored if you want to remain competitive in today’s business climate.
So here are seven major benefits of using an online fax service or provider. Each feature is discussed in detail – with particular attention to the positive impacts it can have on your business.
1. Security
Security isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when talking about the Internet but modern online fax services are very secure. With SSL encryption and highly protected online storage, your faxes are private and secure.
Keep in mind that an online fax account is just like any other account on the web, you must take simple precautions to keep it secure. Change your passwords regularly and to be on the safe side delete any overly sensitive company faxes that you don’t want falling into the wrong hands.
2. Reliable
The best fax service providers are very reliable and trustworthy. They have years of experience providing businesses with all types of fax. Whether you are sending a single fax or a group fax to thousands of clients – these service providers can get the job done.
Unlike traditional fax, you can check online to see if your faxes have been received. You can also continue sending the fax until it is delivered.
3. Multiplayer or cross platform
Faxes can be sent and received from many modern platforms – including web apps, fax API, iOS app, fax email, Google Docs…the list goes on. All of this is important because your clients can receive faxes through countless platforms – ensuring that your messages are received.
4. Easy to use
Online fax is very easy to use. Most services give you a web interface/account that you can access anywhere in the world that has internet service. All providers give you tutorials and quibbles to make sure your fax transmission is as smooth as possible. You can also transfer your existing fax number to your new account without losing business.
In addition, you can sign documents easily. In most cases, you only need to upload a document to edit or sign before sending the fax—usually in PDF, TIF, DOC, or JPG format.
5. Scalability
Perhaps one of the main benefits for businesses – large or small – is the scalability of Internet faxing. Most, if not all, service providers have different faxing plans to suit your company’s needs. In other words, you can increase your faxing requirements as your company grows.
Most of the online fax service providers are enterprise ready and you can easily set your account for maximum usage. This can save you time and money, especially if you have to ramp up or downsize your operations to meet your current business activities.
6. Flexible pricing
All of the major fax service providers have flexible rates. This can be important if you are just starting a business and funds are tight. Most of them will have a free plan or a trial so you can check the quality of their services before you buy. Most have three or four different fax plans – which you can upgrade to depending on your needs and budget.
Remember, Internet faxing is a paperless system, so you won’t have the ongoing costs of paper and toner. You don’t have to buy a fax machine which can also save you money.
7. Mobility
Perhaps one of the best benefits of using internet faxing is the mobility. Obviously, since this is a web-based system, you can send and receive faxes from anywhere in the world. This makes any company mobile and flexible. Your business is not restricted to any particular location or specific business hours for that matter. This simply means that you can be open for business 24/7.
Bottom line, Internet faxing is secure, reliable, cross-platform, scalable, cost-effective, easy-to-use and mobile. All of these factors can be beneficial to any business or company. These benefits should also be taken into consideration when determining how effective or competitive your business will be in the future. Choose wisely.
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