The capability to transmit facsimiles via electronic mail is a modern communication method. It allows users to send documents as faxes directly from an email account, eliminating the need for a physical fax machine. An example includes attaching a PDF document to an email addressed to a specific fax service’s email-to-fax gateway; the service then converts and transmits the document to the intended fax number.
This functionality offers numerous advantages, including cost savings by removing the requirement for dedicated fax lines and hardware. It also provides increased convenience and mobility, enabling fax transmission from any location with internet access. Historically, businesses relied heavily on physical fax machines, but the integration of email with fax technology represents a significant advancement in document communication efficiency and accessibility.