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From: dpm@cs.cmu.edu (David Maynard)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.fax
Subject: fax/modem standards?
Message-ID: <1991Apr26.123813.11163@fs7.ece.cmu.edu>
Date: 26 Apr 91 12:38:13 GMT
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Organization: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
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Originator: dpm@archons22.archons.cs.cmu.edu


I would like to get either a fax modem or a standalone fax with RS232 for
use with a SPARCStation.  I like the idea of a standalone fax since it could
also be used as an image scanner.  However, it seems that fax systems are in
a state of flux.  I've seen so many articles go by on different standards
being considered that I'm confused.  

Are there standards for fax modem interfaces?  If so are they commonly
followed?  What do I ask a company (e.g. GUIS) to find out whether their
system conforms to such a standard?  I expect to write my own softare and
would like it to be as portable as possible.

Will imminent new fax standards make current fax systems obsolete within a
year?  I've read posts mentioning new resolutions, etc which would seem to
imply entirely new scanning hardware.  Should I buy now or continue paying
per fax at a fax service for a few months while new products appear?  Since
I want to use tha machine as a scanner, the new resolutions would seem
important.

What I would really like is a pointer to either an article or book that
might explain the different standards efforts without requiring me to read
entire documents on how each standard works.  Technical details are okay--I
would just rather not wade through a hundred pages to find out what the
latest XW4J3 :-) standard does for me.

Thanks,
David
-- 
 David P. Maynard (dpm@cs.cmu.edu)
 Dependable Solutions & CMU ECE
 Pittsburgh, PA  15213
--