Sending a facsimile transmission is the process of creating a digital file of a document or image and sending the results as a file to another location. This process is known as faxing or sending a fax. In the past, a fax transmission required a dedicated machine at each end of the process. Sending a fax scanned the printed document or image and translated it to digital information. The file was then sent over telephone lines to the receiving equipment where the digital values were transformed back into the copy of the original image. Today, fax to email means that you can use your computer to send and receive these digital files.


Many types of businesses use faxes to get copies of documents or images. These copies have the force of the original in legal situations. Having dependable fax service is critical to timely transmission of information. If you must delay a business transaction because you are waiting for the original document to arrive via express mail or overnight document service, you will waste time. This lost time could be critical in the operation of your business. Businesses that are located on a global scale need to be able to get printed information quickly and easily without risk of data loss.


Faxed documents can have the same status legally as the original document. The original might be filed at the sending location or it could be forwarded via surface mail to be stored at the receiving location. By faxing a copy of the document, the parties to the transaction don't need to wait for paper to arrive via snail mail. There is a receipt notice given to the sender that is proof that the document has been transmitted as requested.


The ability to send a fax using the email capabilities on your computer or laptop allows you to receive fax documents anywhere you can get an Internet connection. Sales people on the road can fax documents to the home office to place an order or to get credit approval on a new client. Real estate agents can fax purchase offers to sellers anywhere in the world. The offer acceptance or denial can be sent back easily and quickly.


Using email faxes is a way to cut costs in your business. You won't need to purchase a fax machine or pay to receive a fax through a office services location when you are on the road. Your fax terminal is your computer email in-box.


The computer or laptop works very nicely as a fax terminal with the proper programming. You don't need to purchase a separate fax machine to get information, documents or images from others. It won't be necessary to find a business services office that accepts faxes for individuals. Your wireless connection to the Internet allows you to receive an email and fax regardless of where you are within the range of the transmission tower.


Receiving faxed documents by using the Internet is easy and convenient. The cost is usually a minimal amount each month. You won't be able to print out the documents unless you have a mobile printer as well as a laptop.


Fax to email capability is quick to install on your computer or laptop. You can be receiving messages and documents within minutes. The savings can be significant, especially if you receive a lot of faxed documents while traveling.