Expand Your Business Faxing Versatility by:Chris Haycox
Technically, Alexander Bain's 1842 image reproducer (a pendulum moved across one image
, and passed along the electric signal to another pendulum which reproduced the image on chemically treated paper) is often considered the first facsimile [Fax] machine. However, it wasn't until the 1980's when the fax machine became a common fixture in business, and had its greatest impact in how companies could finally communicate.
Need a contract signed fast? Fax it for a signature. Want to let your clients see your newest sales flyer? Fax the circular right over the phone line. Misplaced a purchase order? Have a copy faxed back to you...
The bulky machines usually took up far more space on the counters and desks than merchants wanted, and they had that incredibly annoying roll of paper that never seemed to tear off properly - and of course you almost assuredly would have the roll run out right in the middle of the most important documents. Paper jams were plentiful as you would try getting sheets to line up straight, and it usually happened far into the count when you were almost done sending the last sheet.
Frantic calls of apologies for having to resend pages and pages multiple times - apologies because fax paper was far from cheap - you could finally breathe a sigh of relief once everything had finally gone through. Of course, during the whole transmission, your phone line was tied up sending the documents, so you had other clients frustrated they couldn't send you the pages they were battling with.
Ah, fond memories. Having a fax machine was a true sign of 'being in business', and we were so proud that we had the latest and greatest technology back then.
THE FAX IS NOT OBSOLETE
With computers, the internet, and email being such a standard part of almost every business now, you might think that the days of the fax machine have long since passed. Well, think again ...
For proof that faxes are indeed a solid requirement for modern business, simply check the contact information from any major office website. Chances are you'll quickly spot a fax phone number. Likewise with any sales executive or corporate business card: again, the company fax number will usually be included.
When computers first advanced to common usage, they often included a fax modem (connecting over dial-up internet services). Though the computer often replaced the bulkier fax machines in small businesses since it could do basically the same job, there was a temporary decrease in the number of dedicated fax machines. However, with broadband connections now available, most computers just aren't equipped with straightforward faxing capabilities anymore.
There are many outside services which now provide faxing service when needed by the average person (at printing stores, postal offices, and local shops). This is fine for the general once-in-awhile type usage, but to operate a business efficiently, you can't have the staff running down the street every time to need to fax a client.
THE MARRIAGE OF OLD AND NEW TECHNOLOGY
Most departments maintain email accounts for each of their departments and key personnel. Using an outside e-Faxing Service to provide your dedicated fax system is not only much more cost effective, it's also more flexible. Clients can fax their material, just as they normally would to your personal fax number, and the document can be retrieved directly from your email - whether you're at the office, at home, or on the road.
Let's take faxing even one exciting step further: how about the ability to send and receive all your faxes right from your personal PDA or Smart Phone! Talk about portability, now you never need to worry about missing that critical document. Need to write up some last minute deal closers, and get them to your client straight away? Type, Click, and Send - you're fax is on its way!
It's like having your office fax with you at all times: for both receiving and sending. Whether from your desktop, your laptop, or even your coat pocket while travelling; you're no longer tied down to an oversized clunker. Your portable faxing service is with you wherever you go.
Now you're ready to do some real business!
About the author
Metro Hi Speed is a leader in online fax solutions for any sized business. Less expensive and more reliable than traditional fax services - you'll enjoy the convenience and well as the cost. Visit us today at
http://www.metrohispeed.com/for more information on our small business and corporate fax solutions.
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