Member Avatar for summer6

With the development of the technology, we have said goodbye to the days of using fax machines. However, with fax software and Internet fax, which one should we choose?
Can everybody join this discussion and share the knowledge about Fax Software and Internet fax

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Lucy66

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The replies already show why this question keeps coming up: it’s a trade‑off, not a one‑size‑fits‑all. prefers local fax software for control; observes that some internet‑fax offerings include desktop integration; correctly flags that modern PCs often lack built‑in modems; and note ease versus security worries; and points out IP/fax convergence. Those perspectives are all useful — which choice is “best” depends on your environment.

Compare by needs, not buzzwords. Local/server fax software gives direct control of archives, avoids recurring service fees at high volume, and can integrate tightly with on‑premises apps — but it requires a phone line or gateway, hardware, and maintenance. Internet fax removes hardware and gets you email/web access, cloud archiving and mobile convenience, but it usually carries subscription costs and hands custody of faxes to a third party. Reliability and redundancy differ too: PSTN can succeed when the internet is down; cloud gateways work when premises or phone lines are unavailable.

Quick checklist to decide:

  • Estimate monthly pages (outbound + inbound) and peak loads.
  • Do you need a dedicated inbound number(s)?
  • Are there regulatory or retention requirements for stored faxes?
  • What integrations matter (email‑to‑fax, API, directory routing)?
  • Compare total cost of ownership (hardware, lines, support vs monthly fees).
  • Trial any provider or software and verify delivery receipts, search/archiving, and support responsiveness.

Practical tips: test with a small batch before committing; for internet fax, confirm accepted attachment formats and check spam/firewall rules; for on‑prem setups, verify modem drivers, dial rules and line quality and review logs for retries. A short trial or hybrid arrangement (cloud for low volume, on‑prem for sensitive/high volume) usually makes the decision clear.

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Member Avatar for summer6

Okay, I will be the first one..
In my opinion, fax software is better.
For example, Joyfax Server. You can fax the documents in word, excel ,ppt and even pdf.
Although sometime you have to ask for some help from the support, they always can solve it. I just don't understand why so many people like that Internet fax.
What do you think of Internet fax and fax software?

Member Avatar for joehodsons

With the development of the technology, we have said goodbye to the days of using fax machines. However, with fax software and Internet fax, which one should we choose?
Can everybody join this discussion and share the knowledge about Fax Software and Internet fax

I choose internet fax because some providers include with this service a fax software that can be easily integrated with other applications for more control, organization, management and ease of use.

Member Avatar for Michelle Maddy

I tried both and I find the internet fax system easier.
However providers offer pretty expensive prices, I finally found one which is fine, axiatel.

Member Avatar for byallnames

I prefer fax software for the flexibility and the price. I have tried freeware fax programs and have been very satisfied with them.

Quoting Summer 6:
> I just don't understand why so many people like that Internet fax.

I'm guessing the popularity of Internet fax is due to the fact that most computers don't come with dial-up modems anymore. I had to fish out my old modem myself to use my fax program.

Member Avatar for juddsear

Latest developments on telephony includes IP fax machines, enhanced messaging, etc.

Member Avatar for Lucy66

I am using joyfax and it is quite good to me. I think, internet fax service is not so safe.

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