Send FAXs over the internet

Q.) Can I send a fax over the internet? If so, how?

A.) Yes, it is possible to send a fax on the internet. You can do so by e-mail, or use a web page form to simplify the process. You can also use one of our SDFax print drivers to make things really easy.

The service is made possible by the work of the volunteers with www.tpc.int. Secure Design participates in this project and provides free fax service in the Portland Oregon metro area.

Q.) Sounds great, can I send one anywhere or can anyone send me a fax?

A.) No. Only areas that have TPC fax 'coverage' provided by a local company or individual. Check the coverage listing at www.tpc.int to see if you are in an area that is covered. (if not, read on)

Q.) Ok, I'm in a covered area, what do I do to my web page so people can fax me?

A.) It's pretty simple really. The easiest way is to provide the user with a mailto: reference. For example, you can send a fax by e-mail with the following hyperlink:

     <a mailto:remote-printer.from-web-page@15032592639.iddd.tpc.int>Fax Us</a>

Or you can use the more direct form as follows:

     <a mailto:remote-printer.from-web-page@9.3.6.2.9.5.2.3.0.5.1.tpc.int>Fax Us</a>

Note: The "from-web-page" is a keyword for your coverpage, and the 11 digit number is the fax number. Visit the www.tpc.int web site for more information on how to create a valid e-mail address. Also note the second reference above uses a fax number with the digits reversed. Again, this is explained at www.tpc.int.

You can also make things easy by providing a html form to send the fax. See the fax form example here.If you use this form you are tied to a CGI script located at www.tpc.int however if you use the e-mail reference, your faxes will take a more direct route to your site.

Q) But I am not in an area with tpc.int coverage. What can I do?

A) You have several options.

• If you run your own system, you should consider providing fax coverage in your local area. You can choose to provide fax service to your site, your entire company, or the local community. The scope of the coverage is up to you.
  
• If you get your internet service and web hosting from an ISP, ask them if they will provide fax coverage. If not, perhaps another ISP in your area will. As a sales pitch to the ISP, you should let them know that 1/3 of the area on the cover page is reserved for the ISP's advertisement. Businesses who receive faxes from the internet often become good customers for ISPs.

For more details on how to join the tpc.int project, visit their web site at www.tpc.int.

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