A fax (short for facsimile) is a document sent over a telephone line.

ITD offers three options for faxing:

1. Traditional Faxing
2. Desktop/Application Faxing
3. Fax on Demand

1. Traditional Faxing

Most fax machines require a special type of connection that ITD can provide known as an analog line. In its simplest form, faxing is achieved in five steps:

1. The sending machine scans a document
2. The digital image is converted to audible tones (modulated)
3. The sending machine connects to another fax machine
4. The receiving machine accepts the incoming transmission
5. The receiving machine demodulates and prints a copy

2. Desktop/Application Faxing

ITD utilizes Open Text Fax Server, RightFax Edition (formerly Captaris RightFax) to enable faxing from any email-enabled device or application. This is particularly useful for people who wish to send and receive faxes directly from Microsoft Outlook.

Outbound Faxing

To send a fax using an email client, build the "To:" address by combining the recipient's fax number with the "@fax.nd.gov" domain. For example, to send a fax to 555-1234:

• A prefix of "328" will automatically be dialed if you send to a four-digit number
• A prefix of "32" will automatically be dialed if you send to a five-digit number
• A prefix of "9" will automatically be dialed if you send to a seven-digit number
• A prefix of "9,1" will automatically be dialed if you send to a ten-digit number
• Dashes may be included in the number, but avoid spaces and parentheses
• Fax and email recipients can be mixed in the same message
• Store fax recipients just as you would email recipients in your Contacts folder
• RightFax can be used through webmail
• A cover sheet is not automatically created, so be sure to specify who the information is intended for and who it is from
• Fax recipients will receive copies of any attachments included in the email

Inbound Faxing

RightFax automatically converts inbound faxes to PDF documents and delivers them to an email Inbox. Typically, agencies set up one inbound number and route faxes to a shared Outlook Inbox that is monitored by administrative assistants.  Direct inbound faxing to specific inboxes is also available on a limited basis.

3. Fax on Demand

Fax on Demand utilizes Open Text Fax Server, RightFax Edition (formerly Captaris RightFax) to enable callers to request documents using their telephone keypads. The selected documents are then delivered to a fax number they specify.

Requesting Service

For Traditional Faxing, use ITD’s online Work Management System (WMS) to submit a "Telecommunications" service request. When asked for the "Type of Set," select "Other" and specify "Fax machine."

For Desktop/Application Faxing or Fax on Demand, use ITD’s online Work Management System (WMS) to submit an "Email/IM/Rightfax/Quota" request. Briefly explain in the "Comments/Special Instructions" what you wish to accomplish.