Open source fax server programs are made to help businesses track fax usage and make sending and receiving faxes much easier by storing everything in a computer. True fax servers require hardware servers to work, but an open source fax server eliminates this need by virtualizing all the services and leaving only hard drive space as a need. Aside from virtualization, the best fax server will be able to connect with databases for storage purposes and will be able to route incoming faxes to the correct users. It also will be able to block certain phone numbers, such as emergency phone numbers, so there is no wasted time or money.
One of the many tasks of a good open source fax server is performing virtualization of all the services. A true fax server requires a server computer, server software, a large amount of resources and phone cables. A virtualized fax server just needs hard drive space, though some may require a phone cable, depending on the model. Virtualized programs can save a company money, because fewer resources and hardware are needed, making it easier to run and maintain.
Most open source fax server customers need fax servers because they are receiving or sending a massive amount of faxes. To help keep up with this need, and to help store all incoming and outgoing faxes, an open source fax server should be able to connect to a database. This way, the database can store all information without the user having to manually save the documents.
When an open source fax server receives a fax, it can do one of two things. It can save all the faxes in a large inbox until a user opens it, or it can route the fax to the appropriate user. Routing a fax to the correct user usually requires some initial work or programming, but this will increase the efficiency of the fax server and ensure that each user gets his or her fax as soon as it is received.
Some open source fax servers, just like regular faxes, may accidentally call numbers, such as 911 and other emergency numbers. This costs the company money, because these services normally charge for unnecessary calls, even if the company did not mean to make the call. The ability to block these numbers — and other phone numbers that are not conducive to a working environment — will ensure the fax is only used for business purposes.
