Should We Keep Our Fax Machine

Back in the 1980’s and 90’s, fax technology still had a hint of cool to it. I recall how it was such a time-saver – compared to using the Post Office, FedEx, or delivering the document in person.

But over the past 10 years, faxing has become outdated and undesirable for many reasons. But it’s not dead yet. Maybe just frowned upon and used infrequently.

So the question, “Should we keep our fax machine?” comes up when we’re moving a client’s phone system to the cloud. And it’s a valid question that I will answer below.

When I said that faxing has become outdated and undesirable, my intent wasn’t to insult or judge those that still use faxing in their business. Like any technology, over time, newer methods overtake older less efficient ones.

Did you know the fax machine dates back to 1843? I didn’t either until I Googled it…

Here’s my response to the question about keeping your fax machine, or fax number.

There are a few ways you can handle this. We believe there’s value in keeping your fax number. For this example, let’s assume you have one fax machine connected to a traditional phone line. Your options include:

1.  Leave it alone. For as long as the current dial tone provider will allow you to keep that line intact. Some local phone companies are forcing clients to upgrade their plain old telephone service (POTS) lines.
2.  Move it to your broadband provider (e.g. Comcast, FiOS, Optimum…) and eliminate the other bill.
3.  Move it to the cloud. You have 2 options here. You can:
   1. Add a fax adapter, which connects your fax machine to your computer network.
   2. Make it a web fax, where you receive inbound faxes as a .pdf attachment in email. And you send outbound faxes from your computer.
4.  Abandon it. If you no longer need your fax number for business, and you’re tired of getting those dreaded roofing, life insurance, and lunch specials, then it may be time to hang it up.

If you have multiple fax machines throughout your facility, you can apply these options to each one individually. But you may also consider scaling back a little. Again, depending on your unique situation…

IDeACOM can help. Let’s have a conversation to determine the best outcome for you.