why are there still fax machines????

[geno]

Scanners + email = faxes should be obsolete

I think it's probably because faxes are more idiot-proof. Most people who fax probably can't manage an email attachment.

EDIT - I guess the argument is valid regarding security... still, I'd say more faxes that go out aren't in need of any security than ones which do need it...faxes still shouldn't be so popular

 

[geno]

Originally posted by: coloumb
What I'd like to know is why haven't the "fax" companies started making fax machines that are 100% compliant/compatible with VOIP without having to pay the extra "fax line" fee?

VOIP compression makes it very difficult to carry a fax tone without distorting it. That fee you're paying is probably for the extra bandwith the higher quality codecs require, more than likely g.711 which requires a full 64Kbps whereas other codecs suitable for voice can use less than half that.

 

[kranky]

And, it serves as a copy machine when the main copier is down.

 

[DaWhim]

the bank i worked at, we only accept signed original in mail or fax copy instruction, nothing else.

 

[sao123]

im ok with faxes still existing... but why dont we move to an IP based faxing...
or at least a non56k analog fax... broadband faxing?

 

[Kanalua]

Originally posted by: geno
Scanners + email = faxes should be obsolete

Print to fax

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Kanalua

Originally posted by: geno
Scanners + email = faxes should be obsolete

Print to fax

E-mail is easily modified and a very insecure protocol. It's so easy to do a man in the middle attack on it.

Face it - in the view of the court/law an E-mail is not a "reasonable facsimile".