How can I dump my fax machines?
If you're running a Microsoft Exchange based e-mail system, then you're probably already half way there! The solution is relatively simple and involves installing a small piece of software and a communications device onto your server - this software then interacts with Exchange, allowing you to send and receive faxes directly from Microsoft Outlook. For more intensive use, you can have a dedicated 'fax server', centralising all of your faxing needs. The communications device can be anything from a modem to a high-end multi channel ISDN adaptor, allowing very high volume sending and receiving.

Why should I use server-based faxing?
Faxing manually is out of date. A professional fax server grants substantial savings on cost and improves customer service and image: The process of sending a fax is much shorter and incoming faxes are automatically integrated with today’s ‘email-based’ workflow.

Who are GFI?
With over 100,000 fax servers shipped since its launch, and numerous prestigious industry awards to its name, GFI FAXmaker is the leading enterprise quality fax server when it comes to reliability, ease of use and administration, and price. Jade Integration have tested a number of competing fax solutions and have found GFI to offer the best overall solution.

How do I send a fax?
Simple - you write an e-mail within Outlook as per usual and in the 'To:' field enter the fax number - that's it! The 'Subject', 'Recipient', 'Message Body' etc. can all be translated automatically into fields on the fax cover page.

What about attachments?
No problem - most attachments will be converted, on the fly, into faxable documents. For example, if you want to fax a Word document to someone simply attach the document to your e-mail within Outlook and send it. The document will automatically be opened and faxed to your recipient(s).

How do I receive a fax?
Your fax server will have a communications device in it that connects to a standard phone or ISDN line. When someone sends you a fax the fax server will pick it up and turn it into an Adobe PDF attachment. This will then automatically be sent to the correct recipient.

How are inbound faxes routed?
GFI FAXmaker can automatically route incoming faxes to the user's mailbox or to a particular printer based on a DID/DDI/DTMF number or the line on which the fax was received. Faxes can also be forwarded to a public folder or assigned to a network printer per installed fax port. In addition to this, with the optional OCR module, a single fax number can be used for multiple recipients (see below).

What is the OCR module?
The OCR module (Optical Character Recognition) automatically processes the content of faxes by recognising the text within it. For example, if a persons name is shown on the front page of the fax the OCR module will assume this is the recipient's name and the fax will automatically be routed to their mailbox. Fax content can also be converted to a readable text format, allowing easy searching and archiving.

Where do we go from here?
If you've already got an idea what you're after, drop us an e-mail with your requirements and we'll put a quote together. Alternatively, if you'd like to have a chat about your options with one of our experienced consultants or would like a FREE demonstration of the GFI FaxMaker software, we'd be more than happy to help. Give us a call on +44 (0)191 273 4444 or on our local rate number 0845 125 9622.