Q: We currently use a fax machine that when busy rolls over to GFI fax software which then makes a PDF copy of the fax and stores it on a share drive and also prints it out on a printer. I’m trying to get away from this product all together and go with a stand-alone device that doesn’t require software on a server to process the PDF creation and printing. Does anyone have some competitive suggestions?

Thanks,

A: Faxfinder FF830: http://www.multitech.com/en_US/PRODUCTS/Categories/ff.aspx

A: We use a Panasonic Panafax UF-8000. It converts all incoming faxes to PDF and forwards to an email address. I believe you can also create fax extensions. It works great, however, it is a fairly bulky machine. 

A: We’ve used eFax for the past few years... it’s a relatively inexpensive and robust solution, allowing for scalability in either direction. As a hosted solution, it ties in well with our company DR strategy.

A: We got away from PC-based solutions completely. We have a bank of fax machines on a series of rollover lines. The first two are high-quality machines and next six are cheaper faxes that only come into play on major bid days. In addition, I am using a fractionalized T1 and my vendor does not charge me additional for the separate numbers for the machines.

A: I’m with Keith. We have used eFax from Easylink for the last several years. Forty fax lines cost me under $150 per month. Group fax, individual fax ... highly customizable. Never worry about rollover... or missing faxes... someone goes on vacation, just forward the emails to someone else.

A: How well does that work in a potential high-volume bid situation? If you have a one published number for estimating bid-related faxes, is there the ability to have a hunt group to roll through or multiple fax submissions to be answered simultaneously to avoid getting a busy signal? I’m interested in hearing about the reliability of their service as well if you have any comment to that.

A: We’ve never run into any busy signal issues, which is definitely a positive in meeting bid deadlines. In terms of routing, we’ve created different Exchange server side rules to help manage the flow of inbound messages, but typically the estimating department keeps the inbound fax window open for quick access. As Greg mentioned, we also have group fax numbers in place, easily adding and removing people as needed.

It’s a very easy solution to manage and implement. The costs savings in offloading your POTS lines many times covers a bulk of the eFax service, not to mention all the benefits you gain.

Schimenti