Unified communications (UC) is a critical requirement for today's converged world. The FaxCore (News - Alert) Inc. fax server leverages Web and Internet-based technology to deliver cost effective and simple implementations. The company leverages existing customer UC deployments by supporting VoIP solutions from companies like Cisco, Avaya, ShoreTel (News - Alert) and others.

FaxCore recently announced the launch of the new version of its application, FaxCore Evolution eV5, a true 21st Century fax server application with a comprehensive set of standard features that is unparalleled in the fax server industry. It’s recognized as Microsoft (News - Alert) Platform Ready for Windows Server 2012 to offer customers enhanced security, as well as innovative user interface features and reliability improvements.

Erik Linask (News - Alert), group editorial director at TMC, recently discussed this release with Tom Linhard, president of FaxCore.

Erik:       I  just read the press release announcing that FaxCore Evolution eV5 which is recognized as Microsoft Platform Ready for Windows Server 2012 but MS Server 2012 does not have a general date until September – why now?

Tom:      First, I think Windows Server 2012 was officially available on September 4. Second, FaxCore’s vendor partners integrate with our FaxCore fax server applications and are qualified, like FaxCore, to have access to the Release to Manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows Server 2012. We wanted to make sure we provided our partners with the latest and greatest tools so they can also get their products to market quickly.

Erik:       How is this integration accomplished?

Tom:      As you are aware from previous reviews of FaxCore’s products, the company's flagship and award-winning FaxCore Fax Server Software Application was the first to be built on the Microsoft .NET platform and truly set the fax industry standard for the 21st Century with this architecture. As with previous versions, FaxCore Evolution eV5 also includes a Web Service SDK that can be used to integrate on any system with network access to the FaxCore environment. New for eV5 is support for Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) for even better integration for .NET users.  Again, FaxCore is leading the way with the latest tools by leveraging Microsoft’s products platforms.

Erik:        What other Microsoft products does FaxCore utilize? 

Tom:      FaxCore is integrated and is certified for most Microsoft applications including Microsoft SQL Server, Exchange (all versions), SharePoint, plus Windows Server 2008 R2. Consistent with FaxCore’s philosophy to deliver cost effective and simple implementations, integration with these Microsoft applications are part of the standard no-extra-cost feature set.

Erik:       The name FaxCore Evolution eV5 implies transformation and advancement. How do you feel FaxCore has changed the industry?  

Tom:      FaxCore’s release of its first .NET product early in this century was an explicit statement that we were out to move the fax industry into the 21st Century. We combined that architecture with a set of 21st Century features like client interfaces that were 100 percent pure HTML browser applications to provide the complete mobility this century demands. We also bundled in a very robust set of standard features to make it easier for our reseller partners and to present and price the product simply. As the century progressed we continued to advance the product by supporting the latest in VoIP, FoIP and other unified communications technologies. We integrated with products from companies like ShoreTel, Cisco and Avaya (News - Alert) to facilitate full FoIP/VoIP integration. As workflow became a critical factor, we supported platforms from imaging companies like Sharp, Xerox, HP, Fuji-Xerox and Konica-Minolta. 

Erik:       So, is the evolution complete?

Tom:      Although we are convinced that we have the best fax server product on the planet and are far ahead of the competition, we are committed to continuing the development.  Staying ahead of the competition was never a real factor in our strategy as our initial release accomplished that goal immediately. Providing our resellers and customers with the latest solutions for today’s highly complex and demanding global environment was always the ultimate goal. Since the world of technology is constantly changing, so will FaxCore. As our president, Tom Linhard, likes to say, "When you buy FaxCore you are buying a piece of the future." He also likes to keep his promises.