Fax to email business services

Gone are the days of feeding paper documents into a fax machine. Instead businesses can scan and fax documents over the internet, using a variety of free services.

Gmail, for instance, allows you to set up your own fax number, and remits received faxes as attachments to your Gmail address. Microsoft has pre-installed fax software on Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 10 which, together with the scan functionality, allows you to send and receive faxes for free.

Businesses may also opt for paid fax to email services that offer extra features. For example, this type of service may automatically convert inbound faxes into PDF format and forward them to your email.

Video conferencing

With video conferencing, you can communicate with people in different locations – without having to organise or pay for transport or a meeting venue. If you need to communicate one-on-one, and high voice and image quality aren't crucial, Skype is the best freeware. There's no need to invest in expensive equipment – just a simple headset or webcam will do.

A dedicated video conferencing system is the answer for businesses that require slick, multi-point conferencing capabilities on a frequent basis. Real-time multi-point video conferencing is a secure, convenient and comparatively low-cost alternative to live conferencing.

VoIP

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) uses internet protocols, instead of traditional phone lines, to carry voice calls – essentially making phone calls free.

VoIP is the backbone of Skype, instant messaging and video conferencing, and is used by countless business and communication apps.

To make and receive calls using VoIP, the minimum hardware you'll need is a headset with a PC. More established businesses may have more sophisticated hardware needs, including routers, analogue telephone adaptors and telephone sets or handsets.

Multiple suppliers in South Africa offer VoIP packages, many with a range of of additional features. Examples are Voice & Data, NeoBroadband, Wozacom, Screamer Telecoms and Vox Telecoms.

Serviced offices and coworking

Another modern solution that can significantly cut business communication costs is serviced office and coworking space, like the space we offer at The Workspace.

A serviced office or coworking space is already fully equipped and managed. This means there's no need to spend on setting up communications infrastructure. You can simply rent the space you need and move in.

At The Workspace, all members have access to high-speed internet. Shared meeting rooms and boardrooms, along with video conferencing equipment, are available for meeting business clients and partners. A range of business services, from reception to courier services, are also available onsite.

It’s an easy, convenient and smart way of cutting your business communication costs.