For years, businesses across the globe have depended heavily on traditional fax machines for various communication needs. With the evolution of technology, today's businesses are presented with the option of cloud faxing—an astonishing leap from the bulky, hard-to-maintain machines of the past. But what is cloud faxing? How does it benefit your company? How can you make the switch? Keep reading to find out.
Contents
The Definition and Science Behind Cloud Faxing
Cloud faxing, also known as internet or online faxing, is a digital service that lets you send and receive faxes via email, a web application, or even smart devices. Rather than relying on a physical machine, cloud faxing sends the document data through the internet. In terms of technicality, it uses a protocol known as T.38 fax protocol that allows fax data to be sent in real-time across the internet, just as traditional fax machines send data over phone lines.
Cloud faxing is analogous to sending an email. Imagine attaching a document to an email, and instead of sending it to another email address, you are sending it to a fax number. No paper, no ink, and no dedicated lines—just swift digital communication. The simplification it brings helps companies untangle their processes and focus more on their integral operations.
Remarkable Benefits of Cloud Faxing
When you adopt cloud faxing, the benefits go beyond eliminating the need for a fax machine. It offers significant savings on the costs related to paper, ink, hardware maintenance, and dedicated fax lines. No more worry about running out of ink or paper when you need to send an important document or about the machine breaking down at the most inconvenient time.
Security is another significant aspect where cloud faxing shines. When faxes are sent over the internet, they can be encrypted, which isn't possible with traditional faxing unless you use encrypted phone lines—a costly option for many businesses. Moreover, since received documents are stored digitally, they are safe from being lost, stolen, or mistakenly taken for unimportant papers and thrown away.
How To Choose the Best Cloud Faxing Provider
As with any other service, not all cloud faxing providers are created equal. Different providers may vary in cost, features, customer service, and security measures. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct thorough research before making a decision. Reflect on your business's needs and demands, how much your budget can accommodate, and how much support you may need from the provider.
Reading customer reviews and testimonials can also give you an idea of the credibility and reliability of the provider. As with any other service provider, checking their security compliance is crucial. Ensure that the provider complies with all necessary regulations, such as HIPAA for healthcare organizations and GDPR for companies operating within the EU.
Key Steps To Switching to Cloud Faxing
Moving from traditional faxing to cloud faxing may sound daunting, particularly if you've relied heavily on the former for years. However, the transition doesn't have to be complicated. The first step involves choosing a reliable cloud faxing provider. The provider usually offers instructions for setting up and customer service support for any issues that may surface.
Once set up, the next step involves training your staff on the nuances of cloud faxing. Most cloud faxing applications are user-friendly and require minimal training. However, ensuring everyone in the team is comfortable with the application is essential to avoid communication problems.
The final step is consistent monitoring and feedback. Keep track of how well the new system fits into your operations, and have a mechanism to collect user feedback. This allows you to address any teething problems swiftly and ensure a smooth transition.
The rise of cloud faxing serves as a testament to the possibilities of digital technology in redefining business processes. While the transformation might take effort and time, the benefits make it worthwhile.
