As communication technology evolves and advances, so too does the way we talk to one another and get things done. Companies are now utilizing fax to Internet-based communication systems to enhance security and send messages more quickly than they could previously, but our communication technologies certainly didn’t start there.
Let’s take a short trek through the history of communication tech to see how we got here:
1. Alexander Graham Bell and the telephone
You’ve probably heard of him. Bell is credited with the invention of the telephone in 1876. Clearly, this invention led to most methods of communication that we employ today. He also was awarded the patent for the phonograph in 1886. Bell’s inventions forever changed how people communicate with one another; instead of waiting days or weeks for correspondence, talking over long distances became immediate.
“Faxing grew to include 3-D and color images and came to utilize wireless technology.”
2. Alexander Bain and the fax
Before Bell ever sent his first message through the phone line, a different Alexander was creating what would be recognizable as the very first fax machine. This device was nothing like the fax solutions we have today, but by using a pendulum-type device, Bain was able to transfer an image of text via a cylinder, according to Fax Authority.
Then, throughout the 20th century, the fax technology created by Bain was improved upon and revolutionized by a number of people and companies. Eventually, faxing grew to include 3-D and color images. It also came to utilize wireless technology.
3. Internet-based communications and UC
With the advent of the Internet and the capabilities it brings to the proverbial table, communication systems have become even more advanced. Unified communications, which integrates the capabilities of communications services like email and instant messaging, has become a staple of the business world.
As a testament to its worth as an irreplaceable tool in the office, UC continues to grow in use. The market for unified communications systems is increasing in value, and that’s because companies are realizing the worth of having all of their connectivity solutions in one place. According to MarketWatch, the global UC market is going to grow at a compound annual rate of 14.08 percent from the forecast period of 2014 to 2019. UC brings together instant messaging, video conferencing, email and faxing under one management roof, thus making it easier and more streamlined for workers to collaborate on projects.
Unified communications and fax solutions make business connectivity a breeze.Communications today
History aside, the business world of today is searching for solutions that will allow faster communication and easier access to partners and employees. The options are clear: Follow the trend upward into the cloud with UC and fax solutions, or continue to depend on antiquated technology like physical phone lines.
Why is Internet-based tech like email fax better than phone lines?
UC allows workers to keep in contact with one another no matter where they may be stationed – at home, at the office or in the field. Recent research by Stanford University professor Nicholas Bloom indicated that call center employees who work from home are 13.5 percent more productive than their office counterparts, and companies that take advantage of this increase will need to provide the right kind of communications solutions to their workers.
For example, communications solutions like fax-over-Internet-protocol systems are a huge step up from what fax machines used to look like within the business world. With FoIP solutions, companies in every industry can securely and reliably transmit fax documents without having to worry about who might see them or whether or not their documents are being saved on a multifunction printer’s hard drive, which is a real concern for many businesses. Internet faxes are sent via secure virtual servers, meaning only the intended recipient can view and save the fax.
Not to mention that newer communications solutions like FoIP systems are more sustainable and save more paper than relying on interoffice memos and faxed documents. Traditional fax machines waste uncommon amounts of paper – after all, for each document sent, a fax would require an original document, a cover page and the printed page when it arrives at its destination, in effect more than doubling the paper requirement for one piece of correspondence. TMCnet contributor Mae Kowalke reported in October 2015 that implementing FoIP solutions is one step toward achieving the paperless office, which it turns out isn’t a pipe dream after all.
In short, current technology governing communication is more suited to the modern office. In our world of instant gratification and business practices that depend on speedy, confidential exchanges, FoIP solutions and similar players in the UC industry can help make your life easier.
Enhance enterprise communication, collaboration and compliance efforts with a proven FoIP solution from FaxCore. Contact FaxCore today to learn more about their ‘Partly-Cloudy’ fax solutions.
