If you use a traditional analog faxing system, you should know that these will soon become outdated in 2025. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is phasing out old fax systems through Order 19-72A1. This requires old analog telephone service lines to be retired in 2025.
So, what does this mean for your business? It likely means exploring different online faxing tools on the market to replace your analog system. Since many industries such as law and healthcare still rely on faxing services, this is a tipping point for faxing in the modern age.
Why is Faxing Still Important?
Faxing is primarily used for data privacy and security with sensitive documents. Many regulations, including HIPAA, require documents of a certain sensitivity to be faxed instead of emailed.
You may wonder about the difference between faxing and emailing. It's important to note that emailing or using platforms like Google Drive to share sensitive documents can pose a significant risk to data security.
The encryption and added layers of authentication through secure cloud fax tools offer a more compliant and protected way to send and receive faxes.
In addition, many industries still rely on faxing as the accepted way to send and receive documents between small businesses, government agencies, law professionals, and healthcare providers.
Will My Online Faxes Be Secure and Private?
A major issue for businesses amid the rise of data security breaches is protecting sensitive documents while innovating with the cloud. To learn about how modern tools can enhance your print and fax security, check out our blog: Top 4 Cybersecurity Tools To Look For In A Business Printer
You may be wary of the true need for cloud programs if regular faxing has always worked well for your business. Keep in mind with the new shift coming from the FCC phasing out analog, the cloud is the future of faxing, document management, and security.
Cloud-based fax solutions like eGoldFax offer several benefits including:
- Security & compliance features such as encryption and tools like Microsoft Azure
- Scalability
- Cost-efficiency
- Reliability with multiple phone carrier compatibility and instant rollover in case of outages
- Paperless design for eco-friendly faxing
These tools also offer the ease of use of any other cloud platform, allowing for seamless user experience and minimal training needed for users to get the hang of them.
Taking the Paper out of Faxing
The costs of faxing can add up quickly, as the prices of consumables such as toner and paper continually rise. Many businesses also want to reduce their carbon footprint, and reducing paper waste is a big factor.
Using cloud fax servers eliminates the need to print faxes out, which can drastically cut down costs and save trees in the process. To learn more about how to make your print and fax environment more eco-conscious, read our blog: Is Printing Bad for The Environment? Eco-Friendly Printing Solutions Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
What is a Good Service to Fax Online?
Although you will need to revamp your faxing strategy with this move from the FCC, you have many options for cloud fax business tools. One of the most popular solutions is eGoldFax, which has unique features for scalability such as:
- No busy signal ever on inbound faxing
- Unlimited number of users and MFP integration
- Voice-quality PRI fax lines for increased reliability over VOIP/FOIP or SIP
To explore some other options for enterprise cloud faxing solutions, check out our blog: 8 Best Cloud Fax Solutions for Small Businesses
Can an Analog Fax Machine Send a Fax to a Cloud Fax?
The beauty of cloud faxing is it can send and receive faxes from analog fax lines, converting them to and from a digital format. Similarly to how Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phones can send and receive calls from traditional phone lines, these tools allow you to collaborate with others even if they don't yet use cloud fax.
This is one of the many benefits of using tools such as eGoldFax, a tool that makes the transition from analog to digital seamless.
You'll be able to migrate existing numbers and documents to cloud faxing, and many cloud tools also come with training to ensure a smooth cloud transition.
To learn more about the benefits of cloud migration, check out our blog: 5 Benefits of Moving to the Cloud With Your Business Tools
How to Find Cloud Fax Solutions to Replace Your Analog Fax System
If your system is about to become end-of-life following the FCC's ruling, you'll need to do a bit of research to find the right cloud solution for your business.
The right tool should offer:
- Seamless migration and support services
- Scalability for your business's growth
- Easy-to-use features requiring minimal training
- Encryption and other features for enhanced data security
- The ability to manage contacts and verify users
If you're looking to level up your business fax capabilities before analog is fully phased out, click the button below to speak to a cloud expert.
