IP 406 and Fax Servers

[razillian]

In my past lives I have setup Fax Servers to port over incoming (and outgoing) faxes to email clients (usually MS Exchange). Pretty simple and straight forward, install something like GFI Fax, through in a few modem or fax cards and configure.

Now we have IP Telephony with our IP406 system running v2.1(which still echos if anyone is keeping track). I am curious if there is a "solution" that would allow complete software faxing using the IP406? I've seen on Avaya's site that they recommend Lightning Fax and a couple other products, but any literature I see wants me to install sometype of fax card hardware into the server for faxing. If VM can be completely software driven (ok there is the 406 box), is there a fax server product that can integrate with IP Office and do the same (ie no additional modems or fax cards, no need to tie up one of my analog lines)? Or am I just a loon?

 

[Morrack]

Well, my friend, I would have to say yer just a loon. And take no offense at that, the Loon is not only Canada's national bird but our currency as well, and we're right darn proud of it too!

Seriously, in theory you could attempt to use software only but you would never consistently achieve a stable connection. There was a security bulletin released to this effect some time ago, warning of the possibility of a "soft modem" attach on a network in which modem tones were simulated by software. However the authors of the bulletin were quick to point out this warning was pretty academic - it would never actually work in a real world environment.

Peter

 

[razillian]

I'm used to being a Loon...

Anyway, is there a "working" IP-based fax server package out there? I guess what I am really trying to avoid is having to add more analog ports to our system.

I'm sure Avaya lists something on their website for this (if it exists), but I get lost just trying to find the most recent software revisions(and I KNOW where those are supposed to be), let alone looking for useful information about what would probably be a thrid party product.

It's not easy being a loon