FAXGATE for Windows NT

Fax from almost any type of server

If you manage an IS department that uses multiple platforms (e.g., LAN-basedPCs, UNIX midrange systems, and IBM mainframe systems), you probably don't havea multiplatform fax server. You can use traditional NT-based fax servers onlywith other Intel-based PCs, or sometimes on limited platforms such as Alpha,Macintosh, or Intel-based UNIX systems. Teubner & Associates' FAXGATE forWindows NT solves this problem.

FAXGATE lets several clients on different platforms send faxes on anNT-based fax server. Using one of several APIs and through AdvancedProgram-to-Program Communications (APPC), FAXGATE can connect to UNIX,mainframe, Source Access Point (SAP), and PC-based servers running on TCP/IPAS/400 systems. FAXGATE can also connect to mainframe systems through APPC,remote job execution, or 3270 communication protocols.

FAXGATE requires minimal work to install. You must complete somepreinstallation steps, which vary depending on your software. You need toinstall a GammaLink or Brooktrout fax board (the software does not support faxmodems). Then, you need to create a fax user that can log on as a service forthe software to function with the operating system (OS).

After preinstallation, you must answer a few questions about the components youwant to install. During installation, FAXGATE sets up a special print driver, soyou can print to fax from other software packages (e.g., Microsoft Word). Youcan also install optional components such as the Exchange connector. You mustreboot your computer before you can use the software. As Screen 1 shows, aninteractive administration program lets you monitor and change your system'sconfiguration as necessary.

Enterprise-Level Features
FAXGATE includes the features you expect in enterprise-level fax software.For example, the software lets you maintain a core set of fax numbers that userscan access. FAXGATE also performs least-cost routing operations. Through the faxboard, the software can automatically route faxes to users' mailboxes usingDirect Inward Dialing (DID) or dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) routing. FAXGATEincludes full support for integrating with Microsoft Exchange and supports email packages such as Lotus Notes, cc:Mail, Microsoft Mail, Simple MailTransfer Protocol (SMTP), GroupWise, and HP OpenMail.

FAXGATE's electronic forms provide tremendous flexibility, especially innon-PC environments in which generating graphics is difficult (e.g., IBMmainframes). With this feature, you can generate a basic text file that theelectronic forms component automatically paints on a preconfigured electronicform. The software then faxes the resulting combined output to the recipient. Inaddition, an NT-based template designer helps you create forms that you canquickly program into your fax environment.

If you install the Exchange connector, you can fax directly from anyExchange-aware client software (e.g., Microsoft Outlook). If you don't haveExchange or another email package, you can use the special client software(FGWin) included with FAXGATE to send and receive faxes.

My FAXGATE test was successful. After I installed the software and Exchangeconnector, I faxed documents from Outlook, FGWin, and Microsoft Word. Using theBrooktrout TR114's DTMF routing capabilities, I automatically routed inboundmail to my mailbox. However, I couldn't use the template-designing capabilitiesbecause the base package doesn't include the electronic forms overlay.

A Good Buy
FAXGATE's list price is comparable to other enterprise-level fax servers.The software's pricing structure is set up so that you can select the componentsyour environment requires and not pay for features you don't need or want. Othercomponents, such as licenses for additional ports or an AS/400 link, areavailable and are priced separately.