Faxing From Computer

  by Matt Gerchow

One of the ways you can eliminate waste would be to save money on sending faxes.  I am not saying to stop sending them all together, but you could eliminate an extra phone line, wasted paper and your toner expense.

You do this taking advantage of a cost effective and time saving method known as internet faxing or fax from computer.  This method utilizes an online mode of sending and receiving faxes known as FOIP or Fax Over Internet Protocol. 

If you are currently using a second phone for your fax machine, you will be able to let this go.  This will save you a bundle as that line might cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per month once you add in all of the taxes and long distance charges. 

To send online, you will need to register with one of the online fax providers.  There are several to choose from.  You can find a list of the top companies at the bottom of this page.

Once you are signed up (there is a Free 30-Day Trial), you will be able to send and receive faxes, right from your email.  This really helps to keep your life a little more organized.  Companies like RingCentral and Efax give you software that really expands your faxing far beyond what traditional faxing was capable of. 

Here are a few of the features included with eFax Messenger

• Convert .efx documents to PDF
• Print faxes and logs from the compose fax screen, sent folders and draft folders
• Legally sign any document with Digital Signatures
• Scanner support for faxing paper documents
• Supports sending for Office 2007, StarOffice and OpenOffice documents
• Manage Fax contacts in Messenger's Address book, or use numbers from your Outlook address book