When searching for ways to receive and send documents securely, businesses should consider the merits of online and traditional faxing. While financial institutions, law firms, and medical practices still use fax machines, digital fax is becoming more popular. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of—and the differences between—digital and traditional faxing.
Fax Machines: Are They Digital or Analog?
Fax machines, especially those found in office buildings, send and receive documents over phone lines, which makes them analog devices. If you’re considering FaxBridge, however, you can send faxes online with the equipment you already have.
The Differences Between Online and Traditional Faxing
Electronic, virtual, and online faxing are interchangeable, all radically different from conventional faxing. The most notable differences include:
- Technology. Online and traditional faxes vary in terms of technology. While an online fax is converted and transmitted over the Internet, conventional fax machines use phone lines and analog signals.
- Speed. The time required to send or receive a regular or online fax differs significantly. Online faxes are usually faster, while analog faxes must be converted several times between sender and receiver.
- Hardware needs. Digital faxing is done with internet-connected phones, computers, and printers. By comparison, analog fax machines require conventional phone lines.
- Security. Sending Internet faxes is more secure than sending them conventionally. With passwords, two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and other measures, you can ensure the privacy and safety of sensitive information. Conversely, it’s nearly impossible to keep unauthorized persons from accessing paper faxes once they’re sent.
- Cost. Analog fax machines may seem cheaper than online fax services, but factors like supply replenishment and hardware replacement must be considered. With online faxing, you’ll pay a subscription that covers everything you need.
The fax industry has undergone tremendous change within the last few years. Thanks to online fax services, sending faxes is easier than it’s ever been.
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Why Switch to Online Fax Instead of Conventional Fax?
There are several reasons to send faxes online with an internet-enabled fax machine, such as:
- Accessibility from anywhere. Online fax services remove the limitations of traditional equipment. Use your laptop or phone to send and receive faxes from any place with an Internet connection. As remote work becomes more commonplace, online fax machines can streamline workflows.
- Scalability. Every business owner values growth, but it can present numerous challenges. As companies expand in scope and size, owners may need to send more faxes. With an online fax service and an Internet-enabled fax machine, you can select a plan that grows with your business.
- Regulatory compliance. Security is a primary reason for the popularity of online faxing. Companies must comply with GDPR, PCI-DSS, the Dodd-Frank Act, and other security regulations. The rules change constantly, making the updating of fax infrastructure time-consuming and expensive. With online fax, business owners can save money while complying with updated requirements.
- Legality. Unlike emails that can be hacked and stolen, online faxes are considered legally binding because they’re easy to document, including electronic signatures, and are nearly impossible to intercept.
Sending online faxes is easy and cost-effective, and it offers benefits like cost savings, increased efficiency, and scalability for businesses of every size. Learn more about FaxBridge by chatting with us online or by calling to talk to one of our online fax specialists.
Liam Stephens is a dynamic and skilled blogger, recognized for his ability to identify trends and create compelling content. As the founder of Remi-Portrait.com, Liam has become a reliable source of information across various fields such as food, technology, health, travel, business, lifestyle, and current events. He specializes in delivering up-to-date technology news and insights, catering to the diverse community that surrounds Remi-Portrait.com. His proficiency and engaging writing style have earned him a dedicated audience, solidifying his reputation in the digital sphere.
