1. It provides a firewall, e-mail server with virus protection, fax server, VPN gateway, SMS server, web proxy and remote access (RADIUS) functionalities.

2. Service providers and fax server vendors have implemented propriety methods for routing fax files, thereby preventing interoperability and ultimately resulting in higher phone bills for users.

3. Reception: Fax machine → Phone line → Fax gateway → email message (over Internet) → computer email account A fax is sent via the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the fax server, which receives the fax and converts it into PDF or TIFF format, according to the instructions of the user.