Why Fax is Still Important in Business Digital Transformation Strategies

Most businesses today are making the move to digital networks and connected systems that no longer rely on manual methods to communicate, store or access data. As the digital transformation takes over industries across the globe, many businesses are making decisions on which technologies to axe and which to keep and move to online.

When it comes to Fax communications, there are many reasons why still utilizing the transmission of data using this channel is beneficial over simply attaching a PDF to an email.

For one, the method is required in regulated industries for legality and authenticity. There’s also the security element and the fact that faxes are much harder to breach in comparison to emails. So for businesses where sensitive documentation is being passed, fax remains a key transmission method.

As things move to the digital world though, fax doesn’t have to be left behind.

Fax over IP or “FoIP” utilizes internet connectivity to assist with the transmission process. The conversion of the analog data into a digital format involves the use of the T.38 protocol. Not only does this protocol convert the data so that it can be sent from phone to computer networks and vice versa, but it also works to ensure that the information that’s transmitted is a clear and accurate image - regardless of any bandwidth or other issues causing a delay in the process.

The great thing for businesses that must still fax is that by moving to a digital, connected version of the messaging format, they can eliminate the clunky on-site machines, remove extra dedicated phone lines and axe the additional IT costs needed to fix and manage the traditional machines. And instead, replace it with a single server that centralizes communications functions in one easy to use system.

Edited by Maurice Nagle