Fax machines are electronic devices capable of transmitting and receiving copies of different documents to any place through the use of a telephone line. This communication advancement enabled people around the world to exchange documents in real time in contrast to a postal mail.

This equipment is equipped with a scanner which copies or digitized documents which can then be transmitted to its built-in modem. The scanner equipped with fax machines is not of the same quality in resolution compared to stand-alone scanners. It also has a printer which prints documents that have been sent by other parties. Fax machine uses thermal paper in printing documents.

Devices capable of transmitting documents electronically have been used during the 19th century but it was only in 1970 that the fax machines we know today were recognized as a great innovation.

These were first popularized in Japan because of their advancement in electronic technology. In later years, the market cost decreased and paved the way for easier accessibility until it became a fixture in homes and offices.

The demand for fax machines significantly increased in the 1980s especially among the business sectors. This was due to its great feature that effectively transmits documents in a fraction of time. It was recognized as an economical, reliable and time saving method of communication.

In 1983 the standard protocol for faxing has been adopted with the rate of 9,600 bits per second, officially called as Group 3 standard. There are two classes of resolutions supported by the Group 3 protocol, the 203 x 196 dpi and 203 x 98 dpi. These were developed by Comite Consultatif International Telephonique et Telegraphique or CCITT, the organization responsible in setting international standards for communications.

There are certain features that differentiate one model to the other. The first one is in terms of speed. The speed rate determines how fast a fax machine can transmit one whole page of document. The most common rates are between 4,800 bps to about 28,800 bps. Typically, a fax machine with a speed of 9,600 bps can transmit one page of document for about 10 to 20 seconds.

Another feature is the type of printer. The most common among fax machines is the thermal printer. This type needs a special paper for printing. The printout easily fades over time. To remedy this problem, faxed documents are photocopied immediately after being received. More advanced fax machines have improved to address this issue and are capable of using ordinary bond paper in printing.

These are also equipped with paper cutters since thermal papers usually come with rollers attached to the rear of the machine. Older models do not have a paper cutter.

Additional features include a paper feeder for continuous sending of multiple documents and autodialing. Some can be programmed to send a document at a certain time.

The introduction of the Internet was a major competition for the faxing technology. However, many of the business sector still use fax machines due to its distinct feature. Fax machines can transmit highly sensitive documents in accordance to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Sarbanes Oxley which mandates the privacy of information of an individual. Sending such information through the Internet is not secured.

Another major advantage is its capability of copying the exact signatures of contracts or other documents which make it still a popular choice in the business sector. This is an important feature in other countries. Electronic signatures in documents are not considered valid unlike fax transmitted documents.