IBM’s Facsimile Support for i, long trusted as IBM’s fax solution, now faces an official end.
Fax is no simple relic—it’s essential for industries bound by compliance, privacy, and the need for a communication method with court-tested reliability.
For countless businesses that rely on fax to send secure, legally recognized documents—this shift creates both a challenge and an opportunity. The hunt begins for a new fax provider that not only replicates but elevates what Fax/400 once offered.
This article highlights the essential qualities to look for in a fax provider: from on-premises versus cloud fax options to security, automation, scalability, and seamless integration. For a fax solution that meets the modern demands of your IBM i environment, read on.
Why Fax Still Matters for IBM i-Based Businesses
Despite the rise of email and other digital communication, fax remains critical across sectors like healthcare, government, banking, logistics, and food distribution. Why? It provides a level of security, reliability, and legal support that many digital channels simply can’t match.
Unlike email, which may pass through multiple servers, fax is a point-to-point communication method. This setup supports confidentiality and also meets the strict legal and operational standards required by regulated industries.
In environments where secure documentation is non-negotiable, fax delivers certainty. It allows companies to meet compliance requirements without the added risk of digital data breaches or the complexity of digital traceability. The end of Fax/400 support means IBM i users must find a new solution that maintains these benefits and adapts to more modern needs.
On-Premises vs. Cloud Fax Solutions
As IBM i businesses evaluate alternatives to Fax/400, the choice between on-premises and cloud-based fax solutions becomes a critical decision.
Definition and Comparison:
- On-Premises Solutions: Traditional, on-site fax setups involve dedicated hardware, local servers, and analog phone lines. While these systems offer control and potentially less data exposure, they often come with high maintenance costs, hardware expenses, and limited scalability.
- Cloud-Based Fax Solutions: Cloud based fax solutions leverage the Internet and commonly use the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) for VOIP connections. This approach eliminates physical fax lines and instead sends faxes over Internet connections to make it more cost-effective and adaptable.
Considerations:
- Cost: Cloud fax solutions reduce the need for costly analog lines and on-site hardware, which translates into lower upfront and maintenance costs. With scalable packages, cloud options often prove more economical and allow businesses to adjust their plan as needed without significant investment.
- Scalability: Digital fax solutions provide more flexibility for growth. Cloud based fax models allow the addition of lines or features without the constraints seen in on-premises systems.
- Integration: Any replacement fax solution should integrate smoothly with IBM i systems. Both on-premises and cloud providers vary in compatibility, but cloud options often allow easier integration with other applications through APIs that streamline IBM i workflows.
Security and Compliance
Security remains one of the top priorities for any IBM i-based business. Faxing, particularly in regulated industries, demands compliance with data protection standards to ensure sensitive information remains secure.
A top-tier fax provider will meet compliance requirements (like HIPAA for healthcare) and offer end-to-end encryption, robust access controls, and secure document management.
Look for fax providers with credentials in data protection and security. The right solution will offer support for encryption standards, compliance certifications, and dedicated data management practices that meet or exceed regulatory demands.
Fresche’s FastFax stands out for its robust security features tailored for IBM i environments. FastFax offers secure network integration, maintains data privacy, and utilizes SIP connections for secure transmission process.
Automation and Workflow Integration
In IBM i environments, the need for seamless workflow integration and automation cannot be overstated. An ideal IBM fax solution should align with current workflows and bring time-efficient features that reduce manual work.
Automated Features
Features like batch processing, intelligent routing, and automated template management streamline the fax process, save time and reduce manual errors. These features also enable businesses to handle larger fax volumes efficiently to improve productivity across departments.
Integration Ease
For IBM i users, a fax provider must integrate easily with IBM i workflows. Solutions that handle spool files, manage Host Print Transforms, and support batch processing would be an ideal fit. This ease of integration also minimizes disruptions.
FastFax by Fresche Solutions demonstrates these integration capabilities well. With built-in automation, FastFax simplifies IBM i workflows, handles spool files, enables batch processes, and uses intelligent routing to deliver significant time savings.
Scalability and Support in Cloud Fax
As businesses grow, so does the need for a scalable fax solution with reliable support.
Scalability Needs
A scalable cloud fax solution adapts as business requirements evolve. An ideal Fax/400 alternative solution should allow easy upgrades, additional lines, or enhanced features without a significant cost increase.
Reliable Support
A fax provider’s support quality directly impacts how smoothly a business can implement and maintain its fax operations. IBM i businesses benefit when they work with providers who offer specialized, responsive support. Knowledgeable support teams familiar with IBM i ensure a better experience, address issues quickly and minimize downtime.
Flexible and Affordable IBM i Fax Subscription
For IBM i-based businesses, a well-structured fax plan means you pay only for the capacity and features you actually use, with room to adapt as demands change.
Flexible fax subscriptions also ensure you can handle different fax volumes, add or reduce features, or even scale seamlessly to accommodate business requirements. Many providers offer subscription models that cover basic needs, as well as premium features for companies with larger or more complex fax workflows.
The Affordable Solution with FastFax
FastFax by Fresche delivers flexibility through its modular subscription model. Instead of rigid packages, FastFax lets users customize their plan to fit their current needs.
With options to add more lines, extra security features, or advanced automation, FastFax adapts as your business does. This structure offers a cost-effective approach, that makes enterprise-grade faxing accessible to companies of all sizes—without the need for costly on-premises hardware.
Additional Considerations for a Seamless Transition
Migration without Disruption
Migration from Fax/400 to a cloud based fax provider should be straightforward, with minimal disruption. The ideal provider will offer a streamlined process for Fax/400 replacement and enable IBM i users to maintain continuity in operations.
Customization
Customization options for template management, especially for Advanced Function Printing (AFP) templates, enable businesses to improve document management.
User Training and Support Resources
The best fax providers do more than deliver technology—they offer comprehensive support to get your team up to speed. Resources such as guides, webinars, and customer support help employees adopt the new system quickly.
Next Steps
As IBM sunsets Facsimile Support for i, IBM i businesses must carefully evaluate their options to find a reliable fax provider that meets their operational, security, and scalability needs. Key factors such as integration capabilities, automation, compliance, and cost-effectiveness should guide the decision-making process.
Don’t let IBM’s Fax/400 discontinuation impact your business! The end of IBM’s support doesn’t have to mean the end of secure, reliable faxing for IBM i.
On December 5, join our exclusive webinar, Future-Proof Your Faxing: Transition from IBM Fax/400 to FastFax. Get an inside look at how FastFax seamlessly integrates with your IBM i setup and preserves efficiency, compliance, and peace of mind. Plus, get three months of FastFax free when you attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FastFax for IBM i?
FastFax is a third-party fax solution for IBM i that offers secure, cloud-based faxing without the need for on-premises hardware. It provides automation, scalability, and compliance features tailored for IBM i users.
Is fax still relevant for IBM i environments?
Yes, fax remains relevant for IBM i users, particularly in industries where secure, point-to-point communication is essential, such as healthcare, logistics, and government. Fax offers legally recognized communication that email does not.
How do I choose a cloud fax provider for IBM i?
Choose a fax provider based on factors like security, scalability, ease of integration, and flexible subscription options. Solutions like FastFax integrate seamlessly with IBM i systems, which makes it a strong option for businesses that require compliant and efficient faxing.
Why is security important in cloud fax solution?
Security is crucial in an IBM i fax solution to protect sensitive data and meet compliance requirements. Fax solutions should offer encryption, controlled access, and data privacy to prevent unauthorized access
How do I migrate from Fax/400 to a new cloud fax solution?
Migration from Fax/400 requires selection of a compatible cloud fax provider, configuration of workflows, and replacement of old commands with new ones. Providers like FastFax make the process simple with IBM i-compatible migration support.
