Today, I wondered why I even need it.

You see, although having the capability to fax is still quite important, needing a fax machine that takes up space on my desk isn’t.

Instead of that bulky fax machine, some time ago I replaced it with an online fax to email service. The service I use allows me to create a fax from any application that can print on my computer, so instead of printing directly to my printer, I print it to my fax application where I can add a cover sheet if I prefer, modify the document and select who I’m sending it to.

When I receive a fax, it arrives in my email as a PDF file (or EFX if I prefer) . This is quite convenient since I can get a fax anywhere I check my email, regardless of where I am. I can also modify the faxes I receive and send them off to someone else using the fax software that comes with my service. I can add text, graphics, stamps, or my signature.

My faxes are also stored online and available in my control panel along with a log of all faxes sent and received. I can also send a fax directly from the web site if I wanted to.

The biggest obstacle for most in switching to an online fax to email service is how to send a document they already have that’s not on their computer. Now with USB scanners under $100 it makes it much easier. Just scan the document using the included fax or email option in most popular scanners and it’s ready to be faxed just like any other document you print from your computer.

Email fax services aren’t created equal, most have different plans including the amount of fax pages (sent and received) that are included each month, whether or not you can send a fax from any application on your computer or if you attach a document to your email, toll free or local numbers and the cost of extra pages over your monthly quota.

To flush out the facts, I’ve put up an email fax service comparison chart. Depending on your needs, you can quickly determine what features are important to you and review the services available.

http://www.EmailFaxCompared.com

Hope this helps and all the best for your success!