Mary S. Moore
Fax has its advantages and disadvantages versus other methods of communication. While the telephone is direct, fax is worth more because it can produce pictures, facts, figures, letters, graphs and forms which can be transmitted around the world in a matter of seconds. Telex, unlike fax, only handles alphanumeric text, where someone must retype the entire communication. Retyping takes time, and can introduce errors. Telex also cannot handle any form of graphic information.
Fax is not a cost-effective alternative to regular mail if time is not a factor, unless the connecting telephone call is local. Dialing a telephone number on autodial is often easier than addressing envelope. Fax can save considerable over express mail. A three-page overnight letter from New York to Los Angeles costs about $1.00, compared with $8.75 to $11.00 for express delivery. From New York to Paris, it’s about $4.12 compared with $21.00, according to a publicist of AT&T.
Today’s fax machines can distribute a document to multiple destinations around the country probably faster than an interoffice mail can distribute a memo. Many businesses are now creating their own fax networks because the equipment has become smaller, less expensive and easier to operate, says Gregory L. Voros, President of Fujitsu, a leading fax manufacturer.
