Despite common belief, fax machines are far from obsolete. This 160-year-old technology continues to thrive, even in an era dominated by online file sharing and electronic signatures. But why do businesses still rely on faxing, and could it be valuable for your company? The answer lies in modern online faxing services, which have completely transformed the game. If you’re wondering what is the best fax app for iPhone, these services make faxing easier and more accessible than ever.
Why do businesses still use faxes?
Fax machines may feel like a relic of the past, but the process of faxing remains surprisingly relevant in today’s business world. In fact, for many organizations, faxing has become more essential than ever. There are clear and compelling reasons why this method of file sharing continues to endure, especially in professional settings.
1. Faxing remains reliable thanks to universal standards
Faxing has endured thanks to international standards established in 1968. These standards have been refined over time to improve speed and image quality. Fax machines are backward-compatible, meaning a 2025 fax machine can communicate with one from the 1980s. This makes faxing a consistently reliable form of communication across generations.
2. The network effect keeps faxing alive
The network effect, which popularized text messaging and platforms like Facebook, also applies to faxing. The more widely used a service, the more valuable it becomes. Faxing still benefits from this because:
- Tens of millions of fax machines remain connected globally.
- Modern business VoIP systems support faxing.
- Email-to-fax services and dedicated fax apps are now common.
For businesses, this accessibility keeps faxing relevant worldwide. Plus, with apps and services, you can now easily learn how to send a fax without a fax machine – a convenient solution for modern workflows.
3. Faxing facilitates international business
While faxing has declined in some countries, it remains essential in others. For example, Japan still relies heavily on faxing. In 2021, the Japanese government dropped plans to eliminate fax machines after strong opposition from “faxophiles.” Most Japanese businesses continue to use faxing, making it crucial for collaborations in the region.
Similarly, a Bitkom survey in Germany found that 25% of companies still use faxing “very often.” Though usage has declined, faxing remains important in international trade. Researching fax usage in target markets can help businesses adapt and gain an edge.
4. Faxing offers secure communication
Traditional faxing uses a direct connection between machines, making it inherently secure. This is why many healthcare providers and legal firms still send sensitive documents by fax — it can’t be intercepted like email.
Modern e-faxing is also secure, with many providers like https://comfax.com/ offering encryption and HIPAA compliance to protect sensitive information.
5. Faxing provides confirmation of delivery
One of faxing’s key advantages is delivery confirmation. Traditional fax machines print a receipt with details like the date, time, and recipient’s number, providing proof of transmission.
Digital fax services also offer delivery receipts, helping businesses maintain reliable communication records.
6. Faxing can be a useful marketing tool
Thirty years ago, fax marketing was cutting-edge. While overtaken by email and SMS, it’s still used in some regions. Companies can purchase fax databases by industry, location, or size to send targeted materials. This strategy works well in markets where faxing remains common, primarily for lead generation.
7. Faxing is a unique communication channel
The rarity of faxing today gives it unique value. Unlike 20 years ago, when businesses received dozens of faxes weekly, most now only see one or two per month. This scarcity makes faxed messages stand out.
For example, consumer forums recommend sending complaints via fax because companies often respond faster. Similarly, the decline in direct mail marketing has led to higher response rates, showing that less frequent channels can grab more attention.