Internet Fax - Do You Really Need It?

Internet Fax - Do You Really Need It?
In business, as in life, habits are very hard to break.
Over the years, the reliable old fax machine has become the
standard way of sending faxes in most offices and
workplaces. Despite a few paper jams or the occasional
missed fax because of a busy signal, the old fax machine
has worked out quite well.

There's no denying that fact, but is there a more efficient
way to fax?

Everything changes, including the way we fax. Now, there is
a new method of faxing called Internet Fax or Email Faxing.
It simply means you use the web and your email system to
send and receive your faxes. You sign up to an online fax
service provider which handles all your faxes. There is no
need for a second phone line and you can access your faxes
anywhere, anytime. And yes, you can still send your faxes
via the old fax machine.

Trying a new way of doing things takes some effort on the
part of everyone. And like anything new, not everyone or
every business has embraced this new technology. Is this a
crucial mistake? Do you or your company really need
Internet Fax?

The answer to that question probably lies in a topic that's
familiar to all businesses: competition. If you're in a
competitive business, will you be at the top of your game
without Internet Fax? That's probably the real question you
have to ask?

Internet Fax gives you the advantage of accessing your
faxes 24/7, anywhere you have Internet access so you are
not tied down to your office fax machine. This can be a
great benefit to those working on the road or in the field
such as traveling salespeople, managers, real estate
agents, engineers, onsite building contractors... and the
list goes on.

Having access to your faxes at all times can make you more
competitive in a very competitive world. It will give you
that slight edge that can make all the difference in a
crucial deal or transaction. It's probably your call or
business decision whether or not you go with Internet Fax.

Keep in mind, an Internet Fax service is relatively
inexpensive and there is no need for a second phone line.
There are many fax providers you can choose from such as
MyFax, eFax, RapidFax, TrustFax, and Send2Fax. You should
also look at some lesser known fax providers such as Faxage
out of Denver and Metrofax out of Seattle; many times
choosing a relatively smaller company can give you better
individual service in that you or your company don't get
lost in the crowd.

In addition, many companies and individuals like to
consolidate all their phone/fax services into one provider.
RingCentral is a popular choice since it gives you virtual
phone and fax services all rolled into one.

Like choosing any business service, it pays to shop around.
You must find the service plan that suits your needs and
budget. Internet Fax service plans range from the very
modest $20 a year to around $10-$15 a month. Each plan will
have a different number of faxes that you can send and
receive. Rates are usually based on minutes with 5 cents
per minute being the average cost. Multiple page faxes and
International faxes will usually cost you more.

The question still remains, do you really need Internet Fax?

Since computers and the Internet are the wave of the future
can your company or business remain truly competitive
without Internet Fax? Again, this is your call or decision
you have to make. It would mainly depend on how crucial
faxing is to your business? Is faxing a vital element of
your company? Does it play a part in generating new
business or making sales? If so, then you may need Internet
Fax just to stay in the game and remain competitive.

Many companies are switching over to Internet Fax or using
it in addition to their current fax system. Considering the
relatively inexpensive cost, this gives them the option of
having access to their faxes at all times. For them going
forward with Internet Fax is a wise business move on their
part, one that will keep their company truly competitive in
a very competitive world.

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For more information on Internet Fax Services try this
handy online Comparison Guide: http://www.onlinefaxguide.com
Or if you want more detailed information on Internet Faxing
try here: http://www.internetfaxingonline.com
Titus Hoskins 2008. This article may be freely distributed
if this resource box stays attached.