Importance

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Abstract

A communication system for transmission of facsimile (fax) information using an email message from a sending fax device used by a sending fax user to a receiving fax device used by a receiving fix user through at least one mailer device including a sending gateway device coupled to the sending fax device for causing transfer of a fax message received from the fax device. The sending gateway device further attaches the transferred fax message to an email message. At least one of the mailer device is coupled to a receiving gateway device and is further coupled to the sending gateway device for receiving the email message and transferring the same to the receiving gateway device. The receiving gateway device is coupled to the receiving fax device for detaching the fax information from the transferred email message and coupling the detached fax information, through a receiving communication link, to the receiving fax device for use by the receiving fax user. The sending gateway device receives a particular fax message and, prepares an email message having attached thereto the particular fax message and transmits the prepared email message along with a first and a second confirmation requests to the receiving gateway device through the mailer device. The first confirmation request corresponds to a first response and the second confirmation request corresponding to a second response. Upon receipt of a first response to the first confirmation request, the sending gateway device awaits a predetermined length of time for a response to the second confirmation request and upon receipt of a response to the second confirmation request the sending gateway device places an outcall to the sending, fax device. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, multiple outcalls for confirming the status of the fax message transmission is avoided thereby reducing costs to the sending fax user and further reducing the likelihood of confusion and logistic problems to the sending fax user.

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First Claim