Cloud Fax or Fax Server - How to Compare Solutions

Now that so much software is moving to the cloud, it can be hard to understand the pros and cons of transitioning any one product. Fax is a perfect example of this.

Since we specialize in enterprise-class hosted fax solutions, our customers often compare us to the latest fax server solution out there. So we figured it might be helpful to highlight some of the key differences between on-premise fax server solutions and our cloud fax platform.

Environment

There are a few benefits to having a solution hosted in your own data center.

Control is the main advantage. For example, if something goes wrong, you are in control of your own destiny. You don’t have to wait around for updates or work through support tickets to get things working again.

Disaster Recovery is a big part of IT these days and some feel more comfortable implementing their own DR strategy.

A lot of people think of using managed service providers as giving up control. That’s true. But if the service provider has a more advanced infrastructure, quicker response times, and more up to date technology and security protocols…then giving up some control might actually improve your business processes and alleviate some of the burden on your IT team.

Simplicity

One of the nice things about moving to the cloud is you can be up and running in a matter of just minutes, rather than days or weeks.

With an on-premise server, you are committed to understanding every aspect just in case something goes wrong and your need to fix it.

With a hosted cloud fax solution, your main focus is simply learning how to use the interface. This enables quicker deployments and ultimately saves serious amounts of time and money.

Scaling

It’s rather easy to do a cost comparison if prices for either solution are fixed. However, when trying to account for growth, it can get a lot more complicated.

You may be trying to decide between purchasing a fax server or going with a hosted fax solution. But will one server be enough? Not if you are looking for redundancy. So now you are looking at multiple servers, external databases, SQL servers, load balancers, multiple VoIP gateways…the list can get pretty big quickly as well as the costs.

You will also want to host them in geo-redundant locations. Most fax servers are sold by port (concurrent call) licenses. As you grow, you may need to upgrade the number of ports. You also may want to upgrade the software at some point in the future.

Hosted solutions eliminate the need to solve these problems as you transfer all this burden onto your provider. The key of course is choosing the right solution - one dedicated to advancing technology and acting as a trusted partner in your business.

Cost

What it really comes down to most of the time is cost. This is a tough one sometimes, because it’s hard to know the future costs of an on-premise solution, especially when accounting for growth.

This means the decision will come down to what makes the most sense for your current business situation. Either invest a large amount up front and attempt to minimize recurring costs in the future, or have a simpler monthly recurring cost that is easier to anticipate.

It’s really a matter of choice, as a lot of times the costs even out eventually. Though the cost in terms of time and IT resources can make on-premise servers quite a bit more expensive over time.

Ready to dump your fax server and outsource to the cloud? mFax is the trusted partner you can count on for secure, reliable, and scalable fax communication in your business.

Get a risk-free trial of mFaxnow and experience the difference for yourself.