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Services that allow computers to fax online have risen in popularity so quickly that fax machines have almost instantly disappeared from the hallways and offices of many companies and private computer users. There are quite a few reasons why online services are so popular and why they're considered advantageous to physical machines.

One of the major advantages that computer users have when they fax online is that the services are extremely economical. Physical machines cost their owners money in ink, toner, and maintenance. When a user decides to use an online provider instead, he or she avoids all of these costs. The fee for each page sent and received online is very low, and some providers even charge by the minute, making them far less expensive than the telephone companies. Any computer user can benefit from the cost savings of an online service, but large businesses will see a major change in their annual budgets.

It's also good for the environment to fax online, for many of the same reasons that it's inexpensive. Less paper, toner and ink means less of a draw on the environment. Not to mention the tremendous environmental costs associated with building a facsimile machine. Companies that go green can promote that fact to customers and apply for tax incentives. Any way that computer users can save money while helping the environment is a great idea, and fax online services are a great way to do this easily.

Eliminating large, unwieldy machines by using fax online services doesn't just save money for businesses and private users - it also saves space. Even a small machine will take up space, and in many offices, these machines have their own corners or even their own rooms. It doesn't take any space to fax online, as the services work straight from existing computers. A well-implemented online service can even eliminate the need for filing cabinets, as all documents received and sent can be stored digitally. The space savings can be enormous and easy to implement, even in a fairly large office with dozens of employees.

Above all else, it's more efficient to fax online than it is to use a traditional hardwired machine, and for many busy companies, this is the biggest lure of the technology. Faxes can be sent and received through fax online services in a matter of seconds and there's virtually no limit to the number of pages that can be handled by these services in day. What's more, any computer user that can use a scanner can fax online. Old facsimile machines often require training for younger employees, which creates a draw on the efficiency of an office. It's far preferable to use a cheaper, more efficient technology, especially when the services can be used by anyone who has a basic understanding of the principles of email.

There's simply far too many advantages to online services to ignore. Businesses and private computer users alike are learning to use the services for their efficiency, space conservation, ecological responsibility, and of course the low cost offered by providers. The logical choice is obvious, and online services will likely continue to increase in popularity.