Fax over Internet protocol (FoIP) is undoubtedly the best, most customizable and most widely used enterprise fax solution by businesses today. The industry has come a long way since the inception of the fax machine and FoIP was the most logical step in the evolution of the technology.
First, a Brief Bit of History
While the idea of network-based computing dates back to the 1960s, and the Internet has existed in some form or another since the 1980s, it took decades for FoIP to take a strong hold over the industry. Standing fax machines are still used by some businesses, but FoIP is undoubtedly more beneficial to large and small businesses.
Why is it better? Because FoIP allows businesses to forgo linking their fax machines to telephony lines, instead tying them into their Internet service, effectively allowing them to send and receive faxes via email.
Isn’t That Just the Same as Sending an a Regular Email?
At first glance, FoIP appears to be a glorified email system, but it is essentials for businesses who fax. Federal regulation like HIPAA, Sarbanes Oxley, etc. forbid entities from sending sensitive or private information via email because the technology has proven itself to be inherently unsecure. FoIP servers offer numerous protections. You may be able to use your email platform to send and receive faxes, but it’s not like sending a documents via traditional email messages.
Besides a huge increase in security, here are a few other benefits that FoIP offers businesses.
Elimination of Hardware
Virtualization allows businesses to do away with their standing fax machines, which has two major benefits:
- Decreases equipment and operations costs due to the elimination of unnecessary hardware, paper, toner, etc.
- Allows companies to become more green by reducing their carbon footprint and eliminating waste.
Hardly Any New IT Setups or Hardware Needed
Depending on your existing IP infrastructure, you may already have everything you need to start your FoIP service. This helps keep installation costs to a minimum.
Better, More Efficient Processes
FoIP and fax software like RightFax have the ability to automate processes for organizations that frequently move documents to and from ERP and health records systems. By integrating with software like SAP, Oracle, AllScripts, etc., businesses can create automated processes that deliver documents to certain parties.
Better Security and Compliance
Fax transmissions can be assigned to specific users, only allowing intended recipients to open and view them. This cuts back on even unintentional violations of federal regulation. There is no safer way to send documents that through FoIP.
Learn More About FoIP Today
Still have questions about FoIP? Want to know how you can instal or upgrade a fax server at your company? Contact The Fax Guys today to learn more about the benefits of FoIP.
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