The Datamax Thinking Blog

Educating, collaborating, and sparking ideas for maximizing the technology that matters.


Fax Server vs. Multifunction Printer

Fax Servers and Multifunction Printers offer a lot of the same capabilities and are a great tool for any office.

A Fax Server is a set of software running on a server computer that is equipped with one or more fax-capable modems attached to a telephone line or a software modem emulator that can transmit the signal over an IP network. A fax  server’s function is to receive fax calls and accept documents from users, convert them into faxes, and transmit them, store them, or pass them onto a different user. Users can communicate with the server through a local network or the Internet.

One little known fact is that a Multifunction Printer can offer a lot of the features a fax server can. A Multifunction Printer is an office machine that can incorporate multiple devices in one so a business can have a centralized document management system. A MFP combines the abilities of a printer, scanner, photocopier, fax machine, and email and is great with handling many processes at once.

Both of these machines are useful tools in any office and can increase your business productivity. For more advanced applications, a fax server is usually required, but a Multifunction Printer can do many of the general fax tasks while being able to handle your printing, copying and scanning as well.