FAX Server docker/plugin?

[moose]

I probably sound like an antique...but here goes 

 

The need to send or receive a FAX is less common, since it's 2016, however occasionally I come across the need, for example when needing to correspond with some type of business entity, that only allows US Mail or FAX for "official" correspondence.  I would think email would also be an acceptable option (in 2016) but I currently have a need to receive a FAX and due to time sensitivity.

 

Seemingly there is no good open source standalone FAX software (that I've found yet for Win7).  I see that there are plenty of open source FAX client-server options.  HylaFAX seems to be a popular client-server software, server runs in Linux.  I have an external US Robotics Fax-modem.  I think a long time ago, I setup a HylaFAX server on a standalone PC and was able to use it with Windows client software, I think we were buying a car and negotiating with several dealerships.

 

So these are my questions:

• Would it be possible/worthwhile to develop a HylaFAX server docker/plugin?
  
• I can create a Ubuntu VM and load HylaFAX server on it but thought if there was a docker template or plugin it would be lighter weight.
  
• Finally if I don't go the client-server route, any recommendations on open source standalone FAX software for Win7 with a Fax-modem?
  

 

For my immediate need, I'll probably use the FAX machine at work tomorrow but it would be handy to have that option here at home. 

[unevent]

Only a suggestion, but might be better served by an All-in-One Printer.

 

 

[moose]

Good point on the all-in-one printer.  We don't have one unfortunately.  Could probably pick one up at Goodwill.  I know this seems like overkill.

 

I probably need to send or receive a FAX once a year average.  I'll probably create a Ubuntu VM and load HylaFAX server and connect my US Robotics external modem.  Then I can just leave the Ubuntu with HylaFAX server VM off unless I have other purposes for it.

 

I just wanted to see if there would be any value in creating/developing a docker/plugin.  If I knew how to do that I would give it a shot.

 

EDIT:  Wow, those prices are cheap!  Forget Goodwill, would be better to buy a new one!

[BRiT]

Wow. I always figured the FAX machine was beaten to a pulp before the printers. I guess not.

 

There is always multiple other software you can use on your phone or tablet for faxing, however most of those services tend to have monthly fees but there are some free ones.

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=crowdedroad.iFax

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=fax&c=apps

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.creativeworkline.faxonline

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.burrotech.mobilefax

 

https://www.filesanywhere.com/features/mobile-faxing.aspx

http://www.efax.com/

 

[PeterB]

Strangely enough, I have just been investigating this option.  I do have an all-in-one printer (Brother MFC), but while printing and scanning is well-supported under Linux, the Fax support is rather cumbersome.

 

To this end, I have looked out my old SupraFax 288 modem (not been unpacked since I arrived in Philippines in 2007!) and it still appears to be working, responding to 'at' commands sent from screen on my unRAID box.  I used to use the modem working from a RISC OS (a little known O/S for ARM-based computers) desktop while operating my business in UK.

 

I have spent some (a lot of?) time building HylaFax under Slackware, fighting one un-met dependency after another.  I think/hope that I am almost there, but am wondering whether it wouldn't simply be easier to build a docker based on a distro for which a ready-built image already exists (Debian or Arch Linux, for instance), especially since it appears that I would be loading a lot of shared libraries in order to run as a plugin (unless I work out how to link it statically).

 

If I persevere with this foolishness, I will come back and post an update.

 

With regard to the death of FAX - there are some institutions (eg Banks and some government departments) who are still shy of allowing the public to send them emails and, living in Philippines, postal services to/from UK are rather erratic.

[moose]

Thanks PeterB!

 

FYI - I found there is a Ubuntu Docker in Community Applications "Ubuntu-xrdp" from snoopy86.  I haven't done this yet but I would think you could install this Ubuntu Docker then install HylaFAX server and connect to the modem.  I just found this Ubuntu Docker the other day and haven't proceeded to test yet (I also have to find my US Robotics external modem....started searching but haven't found it yet)

 

If you are able to get your method to work, perhaps it's easier, more streamlined.