Most of the time, small changes in a complex environment such as the workplace can have unforeseen consequences. Switching to VoIP brings a host of benefits including lower costs and increases in workplace productivity. But it can have ramifications which you can't foresee. One of these is the functioning of your fax machines. Without making the proper configurations, your fax machines can't work as normal. In this article we see how to make fax compatible with VoIP and various ways to do this.
A bit of background first. VoIP uses what we call "codecs" in order to convert and compress the voice data into a form which is easily transmittable over the Internet. This also reduces the amount of data transferred. However, while the particular style of compression does a good job with voice, it doesn't preserve the integrity of the data sent using fax machines. But since the fax system uses the same telephone line that your regular phones use, making the shift to VoIP will break the your fax functionality.
Fax also uses a different protocol compared to the phone system. It's called the T.30 protocol and has served us well for over 30 years. This is why making a call to a fax machine produces the unique squeaky sound. Two fax machines talking to each other using the T.30 protocol will do just fine. But VoIP changes all that.
Fax machines these days can come with VoIP protocol functionality enabled. The new protocol is T.38 and it works in such a way that the fax coding and decoding doesn't become jumbled. This allows you to use it as easily as you would a regular phone by plugging it into the ATA adapter which converts the signals into the digital form required by VoIP.
The new system is called FoIP or Fax over IP and it has a few differences from the regular Internet protocol. For one, it uses UDP instead of TCP. This is because TCP requires a system of acknowledgments which can slow down the traffic. To compensate for possible errors, FoIP sends redundant data to the receiver just in case a few packets get lost along the way.
It should be kept in mind that computers can be configured to behave like a T.38 fax machine and send any scanned image along. So you might be able to get by with just a scanner and use your computer systems instead. But if you regularly need to quickly send along faxes, you should definitely get yourself a compatible T.38 fax machine.
Franking Machines Equal Cost and Time Efficiencies For Businesses
As it goes, issues that often face both new and existing businesses, both large and small, can include a lack of office space and operational business anxiety; often caused by new technology not performing as it should. It's therefore no wonder why more businesses have not yet switched from traditional stamped post to franked post in the mailroom.
Indeed, franking machines can be used for all types of mail, from first and second class letters to recorded or overseas delivery. An important benefit that a franking machine can bring to a business is postage savings. In August 2006, metered mail discounts were introduced, with savings starting from 2p on first class letters to a 26p saving on first class packages of up to 500g. Therefore, it is important to understand that franking machine customers should reset meters when there are tariff changes, to ensure you can continue to benefit from price reductions.
Of course, franking machines with integral scales can prove convenient where office space is limited, whilst also being able to provide further cost savings. Digital scales will weigh and calculate postage quickly and easily; providing peace of mind that only the exact postage is being used and as a result, preventing the cost of 'over stamping'.
What's more, franking machines can help you market your brand to your existing or prospective client base. Indeed, a part of your business marketing plan can often include having a mailing list to enable you to communicate successfully with your existing clients and prospects. It is therefore good to know that various digital franking machines allow you to add your logo or company name on each letter; with promotional messages being able to be printed on your envelopes. In addition, you can create personalised letters by alternating promotional messages to enhance customer service.
Ease of use is of course seen as a benefit in the workplace, and can help alleviate the operational business anxiety caused by new technology not working. It is also possible for a franking machine [http://www.pitneybowes.co.uk/] to allow the downloading of software updates, advertising slogans and automatic postal tariff changes, by connecting to a secure server via the internet. Furthermore, such franking machines can be updated with new postage quickly and easily by phone.
Provided franking machines remain simple to use, the space, time and postage savings that can be achieved can produce significant operational and budget benefits to businesses of all sizes, whilst also being able to justify the cost of hire or purchase.
Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Collins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1834785
Indeed, franking machines can be used for all types of mail, from first and second class letters to recorded or overseas delivery. An important benefit that a franking machine can bring to a business is postage savings. In August 2006, metered mail discounts were introduced, with savings starting from 2p on first class letters to a 26p saving on first class packages of up to 500g. Therefore, it is important to understand that franking machine customers should reset meters when there are tariff changes, to ensure you can continue to benefit from price reductions.
Of course, franking machines with integral scales can prove convenient where office space is limited, whilst also being able to provide further cost savings. Digital scales will weigh and calculate postage quickly and easily; providing peace of mind that only the exact postage is being used and as a result, preventing the cost of 'over stamping'.
What's more, franking machines can help you market your brand to your existing or prospective client base. Indeed, a part of your business marketing plan can often include having a mailing list to enable you to communicate successfully with your existing clients and prospects. It is therefore good to know that various digital franking machines allow you to add your logo or company name on each letter; with promotional messages being able to be printed on your envelopes. In addition, you can create personalised letters by alternating promotional messages to enhance customer service.
Ease of use is of course seen as a benefit in the workplace, and can help alleviate the operational business anxiety caused by new technology not working. It is also possible for a franking machine [http://www.pitneybowes.co.uk/] to allow the downloading of software updates, advertising slogans and automatic postal tariff changes, by connecting to a secure server via the internet. Furthermore, such franking machines can be updated with new postage quickly and easily by phone.
Provided franking machines remain simple to use, the space, time and postage savings that can be achieved can produce significant operational and budget benefits to businesses of all sizes, whilst also being able to justify the cost of hire or purchase.
Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Collins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1834785
Franking Machines - Does the Royal Mail Sell Them?
This article answers what is a franking machine, and why as a business person in the UK you should consider using one over using stamps.
Firstly let's answer what is a franking machine or specifically a "frank". Wikipedia define it as follows:-
Franking (or "franks") are any and all devices or markings such as postage stamps (including printed and/or embossed on postal stationery), printed or stamped impressions, codings, labels, manuscript writings (including "privilege" signatures), and/or any other authorized form of markings affixed or applied to mails to qualify them to be postally serviced.
Franking machines can also known as postage meters, though this is more of a Pitney Bowes brand name as they are the original makers of the franking machine. Like we refer to vacuum cleaners as Hoovers (the original manufacturer).
But forsake the tasty nourishment to be had from the licking and sticking the required stamps for a large batch of post. And the reason to exit the office in order to buy more stamps; was all that kept me from going mad some boring afternoons.
Progress and automation are now compelling the Royal Mail to incentivise us with better discounts in return for moving to franked mail over stamped mail.
Quoting the Royal Mail website "Franking is the quick and easy way to manage your mail that can save you time and money while projecting a more professional image of your company. It's cost effective and easy to use, with a flexible range of products and services, and because you can pay for credit as and when you need it, you're in complete control of your postage."
So what types of post is a franking machine used for?
Franking machines can be used for most Royal Mail services including:
* First Class * Second Class * Recorded Delivery * Special Delivery * Cleanmail * Mailsort * ParcelForce Worldwide Services * International / Airmail
You can also use franked impressions to pay for lots of other Royal Mail services such as Business Collections and one-off collections.
Show me the money! - How much can I save?
Based on an average basket of mail, mostly letters with the odd parcel thrown in about 15 -18%! And when you consider you'll also gain time savings from not having to send someone out to buy stamps and apply them, add some nice marketing benefits (your franked mail can include your lovely colour company logo), and the humble franking machine offers sound commercial benefits.
If you want to break your savings down in more detail, the way this calculates is that the post office discount franked mail, because it's easier for them to handle.
Save at least 3p on every 1st Class Letter you send Save at least 5p on every 2nd Class Letter you send Save at least 11p on every 1st class large letter Save up to 89p on every 2kg Parcel you send
I know I would not turn down any opportunity to shave 15% (average) from my operating costs, would you?
Many franking machines are now supplied with a postage scale, so you can weigh your post rather than GUESS and risk the recipient picking up the fine if you guess wrong (very easily done as postal charges are always changing).
If you have decided to get a franking machine, a good place to start is with the Royal Mail website http://www.Royalmail.com. The Royal Mail do not supply franking machines, they only license them and the companies that maintain them. But they do offer a directory of regional approved top quality suppliers.
A good place to start your research...
To find out more about cost savings, the various franking machines available, and see which model best suits your requirements please visit http://www.digitalpostsolutions.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_V_Brown
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3146602
Firstly let's answer what is a franking machine or specifically a "frank". Wikipedia define it as follows:-
Franking (or "franks") are any and all devices or markings such as postage stamps (including printed and/or embossed on postal stationery), printed or stamped impressions, codings, labels, manuscript writings (including "privilege" signatures), and/or any other authorized form of markings affixed or applied to mails to qualify them to be postally serviced.
Franking machines can also known as postage meters, though this is more of a Pitney Bowes brand name as they are the original makers of the franking machine. Like we refer to vacuum cleaners as Hoovers (the original manufacturer).
But forsake the tasty nourishment to be had from the licking and sticking the required stamps for a large batch of post. And the reason to exit the office in order to buy more stamps; was all that kept me from going mad some boring afternoons.
Progress and automation are now compelling the Royal Mail to incentivise us with better discounts in return for moving to franked mail over stamped mail.
Quoting the Royal Mail website "Franking is the quick and easy way to manage your mail that can save you time and money while projecting a more professional image of your company. It's cost effective and easy to use, with a flexible range of products and services, and because you can pay for credit as and when you need it, you're in complete control of your postage."
So what types of post is a franking machine used for?
Franking machines can be used for most Royal Mail services including:
* First Class * Second Class * Recorded Delivery * Special Delivery * Cleanmail * Mailsort * ParcelForce Worldwide Services * International / Airmail
You can also use franked impressions to pay for lots of other Royal Mail services such as Business Collections and one-off collections.
Show me the money! - How much can I save?
Based on an average basket of mail, mostly letters with the odd parcel thrown in about 15 -18%! And when you consider you'll also gain time savings from not having to send someone out to buy stamps and apply them, add some nice marketing benefits (your franked mail can include your lovely colour company logo), and the humble franking machine offers sound commercial benefits.
If you want to break your savings down in more detail, the way this calculates is that the post office discount franked mail, because it's easier for them to handle.
Save at least 3p on every 1st Class Letter you send Save at least 5p on every 2nd Class Letter you send Save at least 11p on every 1st class large letter Save up to 89p on every 2kg Parcel you send
I know I would not turn down any opportunity to shave 15% (average) from my operating costs, would you?
Many franking machines are now supplied with a postage scale, so you can weigh your post rather than GUESS and risk the recipient picking up the fine if you guess wrong (very easily done as postal charges are always changing).
If you have decided to get a franking machine, a good place to start is with the Royal Mail website http://www.Royalmail.com. The Royal Mail do not supply franking machines, they only license them and the companies that maintain them. But they do offer a directory of regional approved top quality suppliers.
A good place to start your research...
To find out more about cost savings, the various franking machines available, and see which model best suits your requirements please visit http://www.digitalpostsolutions.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_V_Brown
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3146602
A Digital Franking Machine For the Small Office
Virtually all organisations require to make use of the Royal Mail on a daily basis. Through posting info to prospects to sending invoices and also other critical paperwork, there are many methods in which the post takes on a key function in normal company life.
Perhaps you have to send out information packages to prospects on a repeated basis. Human resources agreements and files are frequently posted and there are a number of additional reasons why firms these days still have to post certain items.
Right here in the United kingdom we presently have Four contending franker (as us Brits like to call them) producers.
All frankers have to be licensed so there isn't a marketplace for used franking machines marketed via auction web sites as an example.
The machines are available in all shapes and sizes, and are suitable for the soho doing only a few items of post everyday, to the largest of companies and specialist mailing services. The current day digital franking machine has advanced significantly from your first Pitney Bowes Postage Meter, as well as the mechanical 'brick' I had to wrestle to the post office with, in order to re-credit with postage 'tokens'.
Using stamps on your post will definitely be losing you profit, and its simply a matter that at a certain volume of postage a digital franking machine will save you cash.
Among the main ways to lower your expenses with a franker relates to the higher levels of inaccuracy connected with employing stamps. Without properly weighing and calculating your mail it can be hard to recognise exactly how many stamps to apply.
If you use stamps to pay for company mail then cash is certainly being squandered. A first class stamp costs 39p with the second class version at the moment standing at 30p. Franker clients receive lower prices from Royal Mail that lowers the cost of a first class letter down to 36p, a saving of 3p in comparison with using stamps. A second class letter costs 25p to send when using a franker, a reduction of 5p when compared to the stamp. The benefits continue to escalate with the weight and size of postal mail items. Another benefit of having a franker is the cost saving Royal Mail provides to all users.
Since the modern electronic franking machine comes normally built-in with electronic postage scales, no over-paying for postage or not having the right stamp denominations exists. The item is weighed and then franked or even when it comes to larger items a franked label produced to be stuck on to the item. No over-spending, absolutely no guesswork!
Who sells Franking Products?
There is no-end of dealers which could offer you a franker, however there are a handful of Royal Mail accredited franker maintainers. The Royal Mail will not sell franking machines, however they do suggest you get one from an authorised company. This is because as frankers hold credit (the franking credit is lawful tender) ALL franking machines must be maintained.
This means the smartest choice is to buy, lease or rent the franker from your Royal Mail Sanctioned source.
Most of these United kingdom franking equipment providers should be able to provide you no cost consultation over what size of franking machine is better suited to the firm, along with a full demonstration in the event you require.
Follow the link to find out Franking Machines for small offices and the Frama Matrix F2 Franking Machine the perfect franker for small to medium postage users.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_F_Corry
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3743208
Perhaps you have to send out information packages to prospects on a repeated basis. Human resources agreements and files are frequently posted and there are a number of additional reasons why firms these days still have to post certain items.
Right here in the United kingdom we presently have Four contending franker (as us Brits like to call them) producers.
All frankers have to be licensed so there isn't a marketplace for used franking machines marketed via auction web sites as an example.
The machines are available in all shapes and sizes, and are suitable for the soho doing only a few items of post everyday, to the largest of companies and specialist mailing services. The current day digital franking machine has advanced significantly from your first Pitney Bowes Postage Meter, as well as the mechanical 'brick' I had to wrestle to the post office with, in order to re-credit with postage 'tokens'.
Using stamps on your post will definitely be losing you profit, and its simply a matter that at a certain volume of postage a digital franking machine will save you cash.
Among the main ways to lower your expenses with a franker relates to the higher levels of inaccuracy connected with employing stamps. Without properly weighing and calculating your mail it can be hard to recognise exactly how many stamps to apply.
If you use stamps to pay for company mail then cash is certainly being squandered. A first class stamp costs 39p with the second class version at the moment standing at 30p. Franker clients receive lower prices from Royal Mail that lowers the cost of a first class letter down to 36p, a saving of 3p in comparison with using stamps. A second class letter costs 25p to send when using a franker, a reduction of 5p when compared to the stamp. The benefits continue to escalate with the weight and size of postal mail items. Another benefit of having a franker is the cost saving Royal Mail provides to all users.
Since the modern electronic franking machine comes normally built-in with electronic postage scales, no over-paying for postage or not having the right stamp denominations exists. The item is weighed and then franked or even when it comes to larger items a franked label produced to be stuck on to the item. No over-spending, absolutely no guesswork!
Who sells Franking Products?
There is no-end of dealers which could offer you a franker, however there are a handful of Royal Mail accredited franker maintainers. The Royal Mail will not sell franking machines, however they do suggest you get one from an authorised company. This is because as frankers hold credit (the franking credit is lawful tender) ALL franking machines must be maintained.
This means the smartest choice is to buy, lease or rent the franker from your Royal Mail Sanctioned source.
Most of these United kingdom franking equipment providers should be able to provide you no cost consultation over what size of franking machine is better suited to the firm, along with a full demonstration in the event you require.
Follow the link to find out Franking Machines for small offices and the Frama Matrix F2 Franking Machine the perfect franker for small to medium postage users.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_F_Corry
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3743208
How to Get a FREE Franking Machine for Your Business
Bored of increasing postage costs, and wasted time queuing up to pay for stamps? Well your certainly not alone, but luck is at hand because you don't have to suffer any longer, the answer is to get your self a franking machine.
So franking machine discounts are pretty good. But what else can a franking machine do for me? Well one of the great added benefits is the fact you get a free bespoke print for your letters. This means you can advertise your business for free every time you use the franking machine! This not only saves costs, but increases promotion.
Arranging a collection for your franked mail is easy too, just call royal mail and they will book in a collection from your work to pick up your franked mail. Royal mail are always around collecting mail from post boxes, so its really easy for them to make some extra stops to get your franked mail from you. You also won't have to worry about guessing the postage tariff when using franking machines. The machine has a built in calibrated scale that will weigh your letter, packet or parcel and only print the exact postage your need.
You never have to worry about running out of stamps. Once you use all your postage credit just call or go online to top up your account when ever you need too. There is no minimum amount of postage you need to use per month with a franking machine, and your credit lasts forever. It really is a great way to deal with your letters. Franking machines are very easy to use and set up, you don't need an engineer to install the machine. It just comes right out of the box ready for you too plug in and use. And it only takes up a really small amount of room in your office.
Here is a quick look at how much you ca save by franking your business mail:
First class letter using a stamp = 41p
First class letter using franking = 36p
You Save 5p (12%)
Second class letter using a stamp = 32p
Second class letter using franking = 25p
You Save 7p (21%)
First class LARGE letter using a stamp = 66p
First class LARGE letter using franking = 50p
You Save 16p (24%)
Second class LARGE letter using a stamp = 50p
Second class LARGE letter using franking = 40p
You Save 11p (21%)
As you know, most business offer discounts to other companies because they buy in bulk. Franking is the discount that royal mail has put in place for the business owner, therefor using stamps is like paying full price when your perfectly entitled to get a good discount.
Get a FREE 30 day franking machine trial here, or click to learn more about franking machines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simmon_Power
So franking machine discounts are pretty good. But what else can a franking machine do for me? Well one of the great added benefits is the fact you get a free bespoke print for your letters. This means you can advertise your business for free every time you use the franking machine! This not only saves costs, but increases promotion.
Arranging a collection for your franked mail is easy too, just call royal mail and they will book in a collection from your work to pick up your franked mail. Royal mail are always around collecting mail from post boxes, so its really easy for them to make some extra stops to get your franked mail from you. You also won't have to worry about guessing the postage tariff when using franking machines. The machine has a built in calibrated scale that will weigh your letter, packet or parcel and only print the exact postage your need.
You never have to worry about running out of stamps. Once you use all your postage credit just call or go online to top up your account when ever you need too. There is no minimum amount of postage you need to use per month with a franking machine, and your credit lasts forever. It really is a great way to deal with your letters. Franking machines are very easy to use and set up, you don't need an engineer to install the machine. It just comes right out of the box ready for you too plug in and use. And it only takes up a really small amount of room in your office.
Here is a quick look at how much you ca save by franking your business mail:
First class letter using a stamp = 41p
First class letter using franking = 36p
You Save 5p (12%)
Second class letter using a stamp = 32p
Second class letter using franking = 25p
You Save 7p (21%)
First class LARGE letter using a stamp = 66p
First class LARGE letter using franking = 50p
You Save 16p (24%)
Second class LARGE letter using a stamp = 50p
Second class LARGE letter using franking = 40p
You Save 11p (21%)
As you know, most business offer discounts to other companies because they buy in bulk. Franking is the discount that royal mail has put in place for the business owner, therefor using stamps is like paying full price when your perfectly entitled to get a good discount.
Get a FREE 30 day franking machine trial here, or click to learn more about franking machines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simmon_Power
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