Table of Contents
- Criteria for Choosing Cheap Fax Machines
- Option 1: Basic Fax Machines
- Option 2: Multifunction Fax Machines
- Option 3: Internet-Based Fax Machines
- Factors to Consider Before Purchasing
Introduction
Despite the digital revolution, fax machines remain a secure and reliable way to send sensitive documents. However, choosing the right fax machine can be a daunting task. Factors such as space limitations, print speed and quality, and the machine's duty cycle all need to be considered.
In this article, we will explore the criteria for choosing cheap fax machines and discuss three different options available in the market. We will also delve into the emerging alternatives to traditional fax machines, such as online fax services like iplum, which offer secure and efficient communication solutions. So, if you're in the market for a fax machine or exploring alternative options, keep reading to find the best fit for your needs.
Criteria for Choosing Cheap Fax Machines
When we think of fax machines, we may be inclined to view them as relics of the past. Yet, they are still an integral part of many businesses, especially in Canada where 15.5% of businesses used them to receive orders in 2013, and in the legal sector which accounts for around 7% of global fax usage. Despite the digital revolution, fax machines remain a secure and reliable way to send sensitive documents.
In fact, the market value for fax machines was estimated to be around USD 1.32 billion in 2019. But before you rush out to buy one, it's important to consider your specific needs. If you have limited space, a compact model might be more suitable.
Also, consider the print speed and quality. If you're running a business with multiple employees using the machine, a fast print speed is paramount. For those dealing with images and photos, a resolution of at least 1000 dpi is recommended.
It's also worth considering the machine's duty cycle, which estimates how many pages per month the printer can reasonably print. Finally, always remember the golden rule of purchasing: you can have high quality, fast speed, and low cost, but you can only choose two out of three. So, make your selection wisely.
Option 1: Basic Fax Machines
While traditional fax machines continue to hold their ground in the healthcare sector, the rise of secure communication solutions such as those offered by iplum.com is transforming the way technology companies communicate. iplum's secure virtual fax with HIPAA compliance has brought the reliability of the old-school fax machine into the digital age.
It's not just about sending and receiving documents anymore, but about doing so securely and efficiently via the internet. Moreover, iplum is not just about faxes.
It provides a second phone number for HIPAA compliance with features like secure texting, calling, voicemail, and phone trees, providing a comprehensive communication solution. The numbers are available for the US, Canada, and 800 toll-free lines, making it a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes and across various industries, including healthcare, finance, insurance, real estate, technology, transportation, construction, the public sector, and non-profit organizations.
With iplum's VoIP call quality, users can communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring that the message always gets through. And it's not just for office use. iplum's solutions are also perfect for construction companies, providing reliable and flexible tools for staying connected on the job site. So, while the traditional fax machine has its place, the future of communication in the technology sector is shifting towards secure and efficient solutions like iplum.
Option 2: Multifunction Fax Machines
Despite the digital revolution, fax machines remain prevalent, especially in sectors like healthcare and law where they're instrumental in sending sensitive documents securely. However, the fax machines of today have evolved beyond the single-purpose devices of the past.
These modern machines are multi-functional, serving as printers, scanners, and copiers, making them the go-to device for tech companies. They consolidate multiple functionalities into a single device, offering a cost-effective solution.
However, these devices aren't without their flaws. For example, a lawsuit was filed against HP Inc. for their all-in-one inkjet printers, which were designed to disable scanning and fax functions when a single printer ink cartridge runs low.
Yet, the convenience of these devices is undeniable. They eliminate the need for multiple devices, reducing clutter and saving space.
They also bridge the gap between digital and paper workflows, a necessity in many industries. In the midst of this, communication platforms like iPlum are emerging as a viable alternative. iPlum offers secure texting, calling, voicemail, and a virtual fax service, providing a second phone number that is HIPAA compliant, making it suitable for healthcare professionals. It's designed to cater to the needs of tech companies, construction companies, and financial services businesses, offering cloud-based phone systems that improve communication and productivity. With iPlum, users can connect to external systems and it provides an API for usage management, further streamlining operations. So, while the humble fax machine continues to adapt and stay relevant, alternatives like iPlum offer a glimpse into the future of secure and efficient communication.
Option 3: Internet-Based Fax Machines
The digital age has ushered in a new era of online fax services, providing a cost-effective and secure alternative to traditional fax machines. These services, such as iplum, have become particularly important in industries like healthcare where data security is paramount.
Transitioning to online fax services not only eliminates the need for physical fax machines, paper, and maintenance, but also introduces features such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and data extraction, previously inaccessible with analog lines. This shift has significantly improved efficiency and accuracy, transforming handwritten or printed text from faxes into machine-readable data.
These modern services, like iplum, provide secure virtual faxing with HIPAA compliance, enabling users to send and receive documents electronically. With the added benefit of end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and message expiration, iplum ensures data security and privacy.
Moreover, iplum offers a second phone number for HIPAA-compliant communication, featuring secure texting, calling, voicemail, and phone tree. With the platform's auto attendant IVR system, incoming callers can hear a greeting and be transferred to extensions without going through an operator, enhancing efficiency and professionalism. Despite the rise of digital alternatives, traditional fax machines still hold a significant market share. However, the value and benefits offered by secure virtual fax services like iplum cannot be underestimated. As such, this digital evolution continues to thrive and plays a crucial role in industries where privacy and security are paramount.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing
In the quest to equip your tech business with the right communication tools, the decision goes beyond just cost considerations. Despite the digital age, the traditional fax machine still holds its ground, especially in the healthcare sector, accounting for a whopping 75% of all fax communications.
Yet, pause for a moment before you rush to get one. Consider factors like print speed, essential for large teams relying on regular printing.
Top-notch printers yield around 25-30 pages per minute (ppm), with faster ones delivering over 50 ppm. Print resolution is another critical factor, particularly if your business handles many images.
A printer with at least 1000 dpi resolution would be a good fit. Also, ponder about connectivity and network compatibility.
While most contemporary printers offer WI-Fi, some still use Ethernet cables. If WI-Fi is crucial, consider a network adapter for printers lacking this function.
Certain printers provide USB or MicroSD connectivity, a valuable feature for photography-centric businesses. However, as smartphones and other devices continue to replace fax machines, consider options like iplum.com. It offers services like secure virtual fax, secure texting, calling, voicemail, and a business phonebook CRM. This HIPAA compliant platform offers encryption, message expiration, and two-factor authentication for data security. It also provides second phone numbers for secure communication in the US, Canada, and toll-free numbers. Finally, when it's time to retire your machine, ensure its responsible disposal, but not before erasing its memory of any sensitive data. After all, in this era of rapidly evolving technology, every bit of data security counts!
Conclusion
In conclusion, fax machines remain a secure and reliable way to send sensitive documents. When choosing a fax machine, consider factors like space limitations, print speed and quality, and the machine's duty cycle.
Alternatives like iplum offer secure and efficient communication solutions with features like secure texting, calling, voicemail, and a virtual fax service. It is suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries.
Multifunction fax machines consolidate multiple functionalities into a single device, offering a cost-effective solution for tech companies. However, options like iPlum provide similar features with cloud-based phone systems.
Online fax services have become crucial for data security in industries like healthcare. Services like iplum provide secure virtual faxing with HIPAA compliance and introduce features like OCR for improved efficiency. Consider factors beyond cost when equipping your tech business with communication tools such as print speed, resolution, connectivity, and network compatibility. Options like iplum.com cater to the evolving needs of businesses in the digital age. In summary, whether you choose a traditional fax machine or explore alternative options like iplum.com, prioritize your specific needs and consider the evolving landscape of secure and efficient communication solutions.
