Completely off topic?

[kiki443]

I'm sorry if this is completely off topic, but I'm not sure where to go to get trusted information.

I am trying to find a very inexpensive desktop faxing solution for my department as the company cannot afford it at this time. We are a non profit agency so I don't see this as high on the list right now.

I've looked online but I'm not sure what the best option is. I think online faxing but I get mixed reviews on it. I saw info about a fax server and voip (same thing?) but that would require alot of input from IT and I'm sure alot of money.

It would be a temporary solution, sending over 600 pages a month, no more than 8-10 users. If there is anyone who has had experience or who could point me in the right direction it would be helpful.

I am using my own funds so inexpensive and hassle free is what I need.

I truly appreciate any help. Thank you.

kiki443 from NJ

 

[Derek Brown]

This is just an idea because I do not use fax myself. However, if I needed to do so I would look at using my printer that has built-in fax capability.
I have an All-in-One HP Officejet 7500A printer - A3 size (bigger than you would need but there will be A4 vesions available). Ink replacement would add to the cost, but you could limit its use.
My HP7500A printer is on my home network and it is wireless-connected to my router. This means that it is available to any PC/laptop on the home network.
Have a look at the user guide at Manuals - HP Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-All-in-One Printer - E910a - HP technical support (United Kingdom - English)
Not suggesting that you buy this model, or even go for a printer solution, but it will give you an idea of what can be done. I paid about £125 for the printer. I could fax direct from the printer menu in any application (Excel, Word etc.) or manually from the printer itself.

 

[kiki443]

Thank you Derek for responding to my question.

We have an all in one printer/scanner/fax but it would save a lot of paper and time if we could fax from our desktop. Right now we print the document then fax. Sometimes faxing 30 different faxes. Ending up with a waste of paper. And more time being spent to send the fax.

 

[Derek Brown]

With my printer, when I installed the software on the PC I had the option to install the fax software also (which I did).
That added the fax as a 'printer and other device', so that I could print direct from the PC.
It may be worth looking for a user guide for your all-in-one to see if it could do the same.

 

[kiki443]

thanks. it turns out that it can. the only problem is there now is a lot of out going traffic. In another company we had it setup where faxes could be sent from our email. I went with an online fax service. Using it only for non confidential information, and using the fax/printer for confidential info. Thanks again for the ideas. I am now going to see if i can set up a fax at home.