Fax server combines Exchange, SMTP products

GFI FAXmaker now integrates with Microsoft Exchange through a specially configured Exchange-SMTP connector. Schema updates to Active Directory are no longer required, and no custom software needs to be installed with Exchange. This makes GFI FAXmaker both scalable and supportive of new Exchange versions and service packs, GFI said.

Microsoft Exchange 5.5 is supported by configuring a separate routing rule on the Exchange 5.5 SMTP connector. GFI FAXmaker can be installed directly on Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange 2000 Server, or on a separate machine. Lotus Notes and popular SMTP/POP3 servers are also supported.

Version 12 can archive all faxes centrally to Microsoft SQL Server. The fax repository can be searched via a Web-based interface, and faxes can be searched based on recipient, sender, or the text in the fax (with an optional OCR module).

Because of its new SMTP-based design, one GFI FAXmaker installation can "fax-enable" multiple mail servers, including different versions of Exchange Server and SMTP/POP3 servers, according to the company. Active and passive clustering are fully supported because GFI FAXmaker does not require any software to be installed on the mail server itself.

The software's enhanced SMS gateway adds support for GSM modems so that SMS messages can be sent and received directly from the server. It is also possible to configure different Web-based SMS providers to work with the SMS gateway.

Other new features include support for PDF faxes; a Windows Server 2003 NetPrintQueue2Fax driver; and support for Brooktrout TR1034 analog and digital boards. Standard GFI FAXmaker features include a multi-line fax server; inbound fax routing; a print-to-fax driver for Windows; and support for server-based rendering of Office documents. GFI FAXmaker 12 requires Windows XP, 2000, or Server 2003 running Exchange 5.5, 2000, or 2003; Lotus Notes; or any other SMTP mail server. GFI offers a number of licensing options, with pricing starting at $375 for a 10-user license.