Fax server improvement (new feature)

[KYAGC122]

I would like to see "email to fax" be implemented into the fax server of 3CX. I don't know why this isn't an option yet because it's a useful feature. FusionPBX and FreePBX already have this option available. Where you can send a PDF attachment to [email protected] OR [email protected]...subject:faxnumber. There's multiple ways to send a fax via email. FusionPBX has it for free. FreePBX has a paid module I think. I'm currently using FusionPBX this way and it works well. However, I don't like managing two different PBXs and would prefer it be implemented into 3CX because I'm more familiar with it. I know a lot of IT pros (like myself) would like to manage their hardware/software in-house and would rather not pay for an email to fax service when I can do it in-house for cheaper. I believe FusionPBX is using a freeswitch module to send faxes and FreePBX is using HylaFax+. I know this can be done but will 3CX do it?? I tried to submit this as a "idea" but I'm not a partner. Anyone out there interested in this feature as well?

 

[Evolute IT]

While I would love to have fax sending capabilities in any form in 3CX, I can tell you for a fact that it will never happen.

The fax should be dead, and by allowing businesses to stay on it, we are not pushing them into a modern workflow. We have secure emails for goodness sake!

What we do for those fax-required customers is that we use a different platform like you just for that. It's sad but it's a necessary step.

I'd rather see 3CX work on an API, better queue features, or more MoH options, than working on fax.

 

[KYAGC122]

While I would love to have fax sending capabilities in any form in 3CX, I can tell you for a fact that it will never happen.

The fax should be dead, and by allowing businesses to stay on it, we are not pushing them into a modern workflow. We have secure emails for goodness sake!

What we do for those fax-required customers is that we use a different platform like you just for that. It's sad but it's a necessary step.

I'd rather see 3CX work on an API, better queue features, or more MoH options, than working on fax.

I wouldn't say it would never happen...it's still possible. They didn't need to implement a Fax Server, but they did...so you never know and I would like to see more email use this way as well.

I'm trying to get more of my clients/staff to use email instead with end to end TLS encryption. However, the issue with this is for the encryption to work it has to be encrypted on both ends as you know. Not every email provider (especially those using free email because they're a SOHO) uses encryption such as TLS or even S/MIME and even if they are...it's not guaranteed to be encrypted all the way. This is one of the reasons why healthcare is still sticking to fax. They keep clinging to it because they know it works and is somewhat safe (in their minds). The newer "email to fax" services (eFax, hellofax, ring central, etc.) are OK and most are HIPAA complaint (if you pay $$$). TLS itself isn't HIPAA compliant...you'd need additional security for it to be complaint to secure the PHI data. Hell...I know several healthcare providers, law firms, and schools around me even hospitals who WILL NOT send via email...only fax (POTS) and some not even that. You have to drive and pick it up yourself which is ridiculous when we're living in the 21st century. The FCC is pushing to get rid of POTS by 2025. Which I don't think will happen...maybe by 2030. Either way this will push providers to support sensitive data via email...hopefully OR at least better email to fax services.

I agree on the API and queue features. That would be nice. . I really don't care about the MoH as much. It does what I need it to with the royalty free music I'm using.