Online faxes are increasingly gaining traction across the business world. As a step up from the traditional fax machines, online fax services provide several features that can ignite your business’s productivity. While these features differ from one service provider to another, here’s a ready-reckoner list of the essential characteristics you should look for.
Security
Online faxing, at its core, is about sending faxes in a faster and more secure way. Compared to traditional channels such as snail mail or email, online faxing provides a quicker and safer way to send files without worrying about having your documents or information compromised.
Before you settle on an online faxing service, find out what security features are on offer – and some service providers offer more than usual. For instance, eFax has a feature called enhanced security where you’ll receive documents on a secure site, thus reducing the chances of any breach.
File Sharing
As you go shopping for an online fax service, make sure you find out about the file-sharing options available. For instance, if the fax service you settle on is not integrated with your cloud storage services such as Dropbox and Google Drive, you will have a hard time quickly finding and sending your files.
Additionally, make sure that you have the option of sending large files without hassle. Most email services have a cap on sending large files, especially videos, long documents, and high definition images. But some online fax services can bypass that problem, offering a little more breathing room in regards to file size, along with the possibility of sending one fax to many people by just clicking a button.
Digital Signatures
In this digital age, many business transactions are done entirely online. The parties in a deal do not have to meet in-person before reaching an agreement. They can sign legally binding deals online, and that’s why having the option of digitally signing your documents is helpful.
Often, you can add your electronic signature in several ways. First off, you may add your signature by using your finger to touch or swipe a screen or by using a stylus pen. Secondly, you can use a stylus pen to sign. Additionally, you can simply drag and drop an already saved signature onto a document.
Ease of Use
The best apps and software are easy to access and use. The last thing you’d want is an online fax service that’s complicated and hard to figure out. For instance, does the service provider allow you to sync your existing contacts with the app, or do you have to do it manually? How about searching for your inbound and outbound faxes? Can you do it using keywords and parameters? Are you allowed to tag each fax, so it’s easily retrievable? Ask these questions before choosing a fax service.
Support
Make sure that the online fax service you select provides top-draw customer support. As with any new and evolving technology, you’re bound to face challenges. However, if you have a kind, patient, and responsive client support services, you’re almost sure to have a great experience using the service, whether on your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop.
Don’t plumb for an online fax service when you have not done the legwork. In this article, we’ve examined five key characteristics an excellent fax service should possess. In addition to reading their website or blog to see what offers a fax service has, read their online reviews and case studies. Third-party insights always have a way of making things clearer.