Virtualized Fax Interconnect for Cloud Cost and Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Facsimile communications face challenges in cost efficiency and privacy, particularly with the migration to cloud computing environments, where traditional fax systems struggle to maintain compatibility and ensure secure, confidential transmission over non-traditional telephony networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtualized facsimile interconnect system, such as etherFAX, which aggregates facsimile communications in a cloud-computing environment, enabling secure routing and exchange of facsimile information between distributed facsimile service providers using internet protocols, and allowing traditional fax machines to connect through an analog-to-etherFAX bridging device, reducing the need for dedicated hardware and analog lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fax systems are used over PSTN, then compatibility with existing fax devices is maintained, but cost efficiency deteriorates due to dedicated hardware and analog line requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fax server as an intermediary component that bridges traditional fax devices and cloud computing environments. The fax server receives fax transmissions from legacy devices via analog lines, processes and stores them digitally, and enables routing through cloud infrastructure. This intermediary approach maintains compatibility with existing fax hardware while transitioning cost-effective cloud-based processing, resolving the contradiction between maintaining legacy compatibility and achieving cost efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If cloud computing environment is adopted for fax aggregation, then cost efficiency improves through virtualization, but privacy and security deteriorate due to transmission over non-traditional networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fax transmission system into distinct functional zones: a secure cloud-based aggregation layer for cost-effective routing, and a protected transmission layer for sensitive data. Fax servers in the cloud handle non-sensitive routing and aggregation, while sensitive transmissions are routed through dedicated secure channels or encrypted pathways. This segmentation allows the system to leverage cost-efficient cloud infrastructure while maintaining privacy and security for confidential communications.
3Productivity
If fax communications are aggregated in cloud environment, then productivity improves through centralized processing, but device complexity increases due to virtualization infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal fax server infrastructure in the cloud that can handle multiple functions: aggregation of fax transmissions from multiple sources, routing to various destinations, storage archiving, and integration with different communication protocols. This multi-functional cloud infrastructure consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, improving productivity through centralized processing while managing complexity through standardized universal components rather than specialized equipment for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for the virtualization, aggregation, enhancement, and distributed processing of facsimile communications. The Remote FAX Interconnect known as etherFAX® is a system and method that allows for the reception and delivery of information to or from one or more facsimile systems using Internet/web based communication protocols such as HTTP(S) as the transport between a cooperating facsimile capable application or hardware and the remotely accessible etherFAX® services.