Internet fax services or online fax services, as the name suggests performs the function of sending and receiving faxes over the internet. It converts the paper document using a scanner into digital format. Important thing is that with internet fax you can send a fax to the machine whereas, the vice-versa is also possible.

There are many such service providers from whom you can opt for the services. The best part about these online apps is that they come loaded with its features and functionalities. Once you sign up with the services, you can send and receive faxes online just as you would an email with an attachment. Mostly these internet fax services offer a trial period to let users know about the interface, functions and ease-of-use, etc. While so, most of them do provide a free incoming fascimile number to start receiving documents on your virtual fax number. This gives a chance for users to try out a free-service before they sign-up completely. Additionally, you can keep this number as your business fax number and provide it to your potential or existing clients, partners and customers.

Unlike the conventional machine, these are secured, fast and reliable. Moreover, you can send faxes with multiple documents in the same delivery which gives you complete freedom from the time-consuming & tedious way of scanning each document with the fax machine. Also, one doesn’t need to even type cover pages because, with online services, you can choose from a customized and beautiful cover page template.
Below are a few value-based points to share some information to look for from an internet service provider:

Cost

How much and what are services you are going to receive in the selected price package? Are you getting unlimited incoming & outgoing faxes in a low-cost package? To begin with, you should at least be getting a free incoming fax number to try their app or software with no hidden fees or set-up charges for the service. At this point, it is suggestive to check as many fax apps as you can by doing the proper due diligence of the features and functionalities suitable to your business.

Reliability

Getting a busy signal or paper-jam are few of the common problems with the traditional fax machine. Such kind of interruption could also happen sometimes with the internet fax service when you instantly want to send a document and they don’t go through. Few of the service providers offer delivery notification option on their services - hence, it's better to go through all their feature and terms before opting.

Customer Support

Just as with any other service industry, for internet fax service providers also customer support remains an epic pillar in building a successful business. Agents that are well trained and knowledgeable with the technical know-how of the process, along with their days and timings of operation and their method of support in the form or email, web, chat or phone should be taken into account while going through different service providers.

Security & Compatibility

One should also ensure to check whether the software is compatible with all the current operating system as it will give them the extra edge in acquiring potential clients or customers. One also need to make sure that the said service is taking enough measure in ensuring to keep the data safe that is being transmitted. You should conduct thorough research before signing up with any online fax services. An app service that uses TLS encryption can be trusted well and also who is practising HIPAA & GLBA compliance and guidelines.

Online faxing is considerably new when we compare it to the conventional methodology, however, within a small span of time with the help of constant evolving tech, internet fax has changed the scenario quickly. Making the entire procedure more simple by cutting down the cost of a fixed phone line, ink, cartridges, paper rolls, maintenance, etc it has perfectly integrated well with the different needs of a business, more or less saving time and resource for everyone. With the current progress, one can send new document online from mobile or computer. Features such as fax image editing, adding company logo and digital signature, fill forms, annotate PDFs, sign documents and many more are highly beneficial.

Author's Bio: 

A small attempt from my end to share industry stats on how to send and receive faxes online. Being related to the fax industry for over a decade now allows me to share information with my readers about how to look for and what are the things to opt for from any internet fax service provider. Hope you have enjoyed the article and if you have any concerns or feedback regarding the same then please do share it in the comments section below.