What Is Virtual Faxing?

A virtual fax is a fax that is sent and received without the use of an actual fax machine.

A virtual fax, also known as an "Internet fax" or "hosted faxing," is a fax sent and received online, without the use of an actual fax machine. All you need is an Internet connection.

Flexibility

Virtual faxes may make the old-fashioned in-office fax machine obsolete.

Virtual faxes have become popular over the past few years because they enable users more flexibility in receiving their faxes. Using an actual fax machine in most cases requires you to go back to the office to pick up or view your fax. However, using a virtual fax provider enables you to receive your notification of a fax the moment it's received through your e-mail and allows you to access and view it from your laptop or any other computer nearby--or in some cases, through your cell phone.

Cost

This flexibility makes virtual faxes an ideal option for small-business owners--there's no machine to buy; you simply pay a modest monthly fee instead. Virtual fax services are fairly cost-effective, with most running at about $10 per month.

Getting Started

A quick trip through any major search engine will reveal a wide variety of virtual fax providers to choose from across the Internet, and using their services is fairly simple. Once you've chosen a virtual fax provider, you'll be given a virtual fax number in the area code of your choice, a number you can give out and include in your communications, one that acts just like a regular fax number.

Retrieving a Fax

Faxes sent to your new virtual fax number will be received and waiting for you in your own secure in-box on the Internet. When you receive a virtual fax, you'll get a notification of a new fax via e-mail or to your cell phone, depending on your preferences, at which point you can then click on and download the fax from any computer, or from some cell phone models, for immediate viewing.

Viewing, Saving and Sending

With no paper involved, virtual faxes are good for the environment.

Most virtual fax providers allow you a few different options for viewing or printing your fax. Some use proprietary software that installs to your computer and enables you to design cover pages or other items in more detail, incorporating your logo or brand. However, most also allow you to send or receive faxes as easy-to-view PDF documents instead, as well as offering a "quick fax" option in which you simply fill out a quick cover sheet and send a fax online, with no additional graphics or preparation.

Because there is no paper involved, Virtual faxes are also good for the environment.

References

• PATLive
• VoiceNation
• eFax