Cloud Communications

An Inside Look at the GFI FaxMaker 2013

By Susan J. Campbell TMCnet Contributing Editor

The use of SMS text messaging as a powerful communications tool has exploded in the last few years as services expand and costs go down. Now, companies are recognizing the value in using this medium to reach multiple recipients at once with targeted messages these users want to receive. GFI Software, an industry leader in cloud communications solutions, eases this process with its new and improved GFI FaxMaker 2013, leveraging cloud communications to combine SMS text messaging with fax server software. 

GFI’s David Kelleher recently blogged about the company’s newest product, providing an in-depth look at the solution and highlighting its expanded capability to integrate seamlessly with cloud-based fax servers and e-mail providers to deliver expanded capabilities to corporate users. Organizations looking to easily send appointment reminders, general information, special offers and more can utilize GFI FaxMaker 2013 to connect directly with their customers, prospects and colleagues who have opted to receive such updates. 

This latest update from GFI Software allows servers to connect directly to online fax servers through cloud communications to send and receive messages across the Internet. By eliminating the use of the standard landline for such communications, businesses can enjoy the same back-up, auditing, accessibility and archiving features users relying on the on-premise fax server have come to expect, without the associated setup and maintenance costs. 

The new addition to GFI’s already sterling family of cloud communications offerings is considered a major upgrade and extension to any organization’s use of cloud communications. The GFI FaxMaker 2013’s core functionalities are what truly define its value and relevance in the market. For example, it supports both Google Docs and Microsoft (News - Alert) Office365; enables faxing from anywhere and any device; works seamlessly with current cloud fax service solutions; supports a variety of SMS texting options; easily integrates with Microsoft Windows 8 and Exchange 2012; and it delivers complete multi-function device integration. 

A recent GFI report included the results of a new survey examining the faxing habits of U.S. office workers, revealing clear findings that while faxing remains an important part of office communications, users are still concerned about privacy when data is shared over a paper-based system. GFI puts its security expertise to practice to demolish this negative perception, offering exceptional functionality, security and protection costing as little as $31 per user.

Even more, although these fears have been readily identified, 72 percent of businesses are still using traditional fax-based technology to communicate, while 49 percent admit they have read a paper fax for which they were not the intended recipient. Another 44 percent shared their belief that e-mail is more secure than faxing, suggesting a lack of knowledge surrounding security-related differences between the two technologies.

Conversely, faxing using cloud communications guarantees that data is transmitted from one point to another – and not just to any receiver, as it offers proof of delivery to the proper recipient. This is a commonly faced problem, as e-mails typically make numerous jumps and stops before reaching a destination, oftentimes with no guarantee of delivery notification. 

Even more, the found that 46 percent of respondents don’t know that a fax, whether sent via landline or cloud communications, is a legally binding document; 85 percent of businesses are faxing in one form or another; 52 percent of those who do fax report it is a central element within their daily workflow; 72 percent use traditional paper faxing; 27 percent rely on network fax server solutions and 12 percent use online fax services. 

Needless to say, the opportunities for fax server-based communications exist as a powerful form of cloud communications. As companies still rely on fax technology yet embrace new innovations in information exchange, the GFI FaxMaker 2013 is swinging open a few very significant doors.

To learn more about the GFI FaxMaker 2013, click here. 


Want to learn more about cloud computing solutions geared specifically towards small to medium-sized businesses?  Don’t miss the Cloud4SMB Expo, collocated with ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at Cloud4SMB Expo. Follow us on Twitter.

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