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.

...

For more information on Internet Fax Services try this
handy online Comparison Guide: Online Fax
Or if you want more detailed information on Internet Faxing
try here: Internet Fax Services.
Titus Hoskins Copyright © 2008. This article may be freely
distributed if this resource box stays attached.