Traditional faxing supposes the use of a fax machine that scans the document or an image and sends this file to another device that will print it. Both devices — the sender and the recipient — contact one another through a telephone line. Before they do it, they both need confirmation that they are ready to start the process of sending the document and, of course, receiving it.
This type of faxing developed as the digital age progressed, steadily opening the way for digital faxing. It can also be called online faxing or Internet faxing. Nowadays, the evolution of machines has reached its peak and you only need a Fax app to send everything in a matter of an eye blink. Yes, users happily send a fax from iPhone without the necessity to go to their offices or homes and use old-fashioned devices. Installing an app doesn’t cause any problems as you know. Just an iPhone is needed to scan the document or take a picture of it (or even upload it from your folder). The receiver can also use either an iPad or receive fax traditionally.
However, before an app was created, people had to use those old-school scanners we are going to tell you about right now. Learn how faxing evolved over the years since it was invented. Those times are long gone now, it all started even before you could see the first iPhone.
How it all started
If you study the history of faxing, it began with Xerox’s invention of the long-distance xerox machine in 1964. This fax machine could send regular-sized documents to any other device around the world, one page at a time. The heyday of analog fax machines was in the 1980s and 1990s. At the time, they were the safest way to transmit sensitive data. Analog fax machines evolved into multifunction devices, or copiers, which functioned as fax machines and copiers in a single device.
In the mid-1990s, the traditional fax machine evolved as the Internet became more popular. For the first time, people could send and receive faxes from a computer using Internet faxing services. This technology made it faster and more convenient. All you need to send faxes over the Internet is a device with Internet access (such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop) and an Internet fax account.
Mobile applications for digital faxing
Now, companies had to invest in bulky and cost-ineffective fax machines to send and receive documents and images from clients, investors, partners, or other office departments. With advances in technology, Web developers have digitized faxing through mobile apps.
There are now mobile digital fax apps to replace traditional faxes. Fax apps are equipped with advanced technology, providing individuals and businesses with a platform and tools to send and receive faxes quickly and easily. You can use it either on your phone or iPad.
Easy file management
There is no need to use a bulky fax machine anymore. However, you can always get back to it when you are in your office and can access your PC or laptop. It won’t be very convenient to do it when you are out of the office and need to fax a document instantly. Having scanned documents or just taking a picture with your iPhone is incredibly convenient. Just access the storage, manage all files easily, and share them with whoever you wish. All apps have this feature and very secure storage.
Wireless online solutions
Digital technologies make contactless solutions possible. They include the app programming interface and software that allows two apps to be in touch with one another. Internet faxing or e-faxing uses a web-based fax transmission rather than a fax machine, which is a form of contactless document processing solution. It’s a flexible and cost-effective option for transmitting important documents.
It happens this way:
- Users register with an online fax service.
- A fax number is assigned automatically or you can choose it yourself
- People can send faxes to your number both online and traditionally, and you can receive them as an email to your phone or your fax account on the Internet. The Internet fax service translates the file attachment to be read by a physical fax device or equipment.
- Send faxes by email without a stationary fax machine. The recipient’s physical device can decode your Internet fax data and print the digital document.
Conclusion
Faxes were a crucial innovation back in the 1980s. They passed a long path to becoming what we have now. The progress doesn’t stand still and now, all we need to send or receive a fax is an iPhone or a tablet. Once you have an Internet connection, send your files to any recipients online. There are no restrictions for users anymore.
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