Fax-on-Demand (FOD)
Fax-on-Demand (FOD) is a relatively new integration of voice processing and facsimile. FOD involves a voice processing front-end that answers the call, prompts the caller to select a document from a menu of options, enter a return fax number, and enter a credit card number in order that a fax response might be sent and billed as appropriate. Some systems can automatically verify the credit card number on a machine-to-machine basis.
There are single-line FOD systems that work in combination with voice/fax/data modems. Such systems are capable of storing as many as 999 fax documents at a cost of less than $250. The port configuration of multiline FOD systems is as small as 2×2 (incoming x outgoing) and the cost is as low as US$3,000. They range as large as 24×24, handling approximately 2,000 calls per day and storing over 10,000 documents. The platform can be as small as a standalone 486 PC outfitted with fax cards, voice processing cards, and FOD software. The systems can be delivered on a turnkey basis, or the user can build one with a component toolkit. Octel, Active Voice, Applied Voice Technologies and other manufacturers of voice processing systems offer add-on FOD. FOD also can be integrated with a PABX system. There also exist combination, single-slot PC cards which can effect both FOD and voice processing. Once again, devices and their functions no longer can be categorized in discrete terms [5-6].
FOD systems generally can be characterized as including a voice processing front-end, which accepts tone input for purposes of document selection by menu option, and entry of return fax numbers and credit card numbers. FOD systems also may include broadcast capabilities that support outgoing fax transmission to large numbers of receivers through the entry of a distribution list. In larger applications, FOD systems are in the form of fax servers typically residing on dedicated computer platforms and accessible by multiple client workstations across a LAN.
As reported by InfoWorld, the Ontario (Canada) Jockey Club uses Octel’s Fax Mail Plus to communicate with suppliers to its three racetracks. Additionally, trainers and horse owners can dial into the system to request fax transmission of post positions and weekly schedules. Octel, primarily a manufacturer of voice processing systems, says that the automated system saves the Jockey Club $750 per month, including $325 in labor associated with manual fax transmission [5-7]. Novell reported that its client/server FOD system pays for itself every 30 business days. The system is used for technical support, training, and to fax product information. Octel uses a 24×24-port system (24 inbound and 24 outbound lines) to handle 1,700 calls a day and store 10,000 documents [5-8].
Fax Applications
Application of facsimile technology traditionally has focused on document transfer. A key advantage, of course, is that any document can be transmitted by fax. Whether the document is a letter, an invoice, a blueprint, or even a photograph, it can be transmitted successfully. Numerous sales-oriented enterprises now rely heavily on fax broadcast systems, in place of more traditional direct mail or other forms of advertising. In the case of time-sensitive sales, fax advertising can quickly position a product in front of large numbers of prospective buyers. Additionally, a faxed ad is more likely to garner the attention of the buyer than would a similar media ad or a direct mailer.
Recently, Fax-On-Demand (FOD) has been used successfully by a number of customer-service and telemarketing enterprises as a replacement for fulfilling information requests generated by direct mail and other forms of advertising. Network World, a leading communications network publication, encourages prospective attendees to view detailed descriptions of its seminar and conference offerings by accessing its FOD system. Becuase the FOD system is completely automated, Network World reports substantial savings in manpower and overall fulfillment costs. Perhaps most importantly, the information is faxed back to the prospect, received much more quickly and acted on more expeditiously than would be the case with more traditional means such as the U.S. Postal Service.
Integrated Fax Messaging is developing rapidly and promises to replace conventional fax systems during the next decade, at least in fax-intensive operations. Also referred to as Unified Fax Messaging, the technology has been standardized by the International Computer Fax Association (IFCA), an affiliate member of the Electronic Messaging Association. IFCA members such as Brooktrout Technology, Castelle, Delrina, FISK Communications, and GammaLink have developed systems based on ITU-T standards T.434. and T.30 [5-9].
T.434
T.434 is an industry standard for Binary File Transfer (BFT) that allows compliant facsimile devices to send any file type, reproducing the original quality at the receiving end. Additionally, the received document is in the form of a file that can be edited. T.434 provides for interoperability among binary file-transfer products from different manufacturers, allowing data files to be sent much as e-mail messages are sent-Fax-on-Demand essentially becomes File-on-Demand. The standard works with fax PCs, fax servers, and Group IV fax machines. Benefits of T.434 include increased throughput and reduced document storage requirements through data compression. Additionally, the specific file attributes (e.g., image format as in .EPS, .PCX, or .BMP files) are maintained. Also, the documents can be edited and annotated once received. In addition to working with computer-based facsimile systems, some standalone fax machines support the standard T.434 also has the potential for linking fax systems with photocopiers, scanners, e-mail gateways, and PCs; it may also allow integration with PBXs and voice mail systems.
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