Facsimile: An Overview for the Manager. Executive Summary.

This paper provides an overview of facsimile FAX to include 1 Definition of FAX with major characteristics such as types of input e.g., graphics 2 Discussion of those communications systems mail, courier, teletype, etc. which compete with FAX 3 Those areas where FAX is currently being used weather reporting, news photos, periodical publications, law enforcement, etc. and 4 A breakout, in general terms, of the significant parameters of FAX as related to general classes of FAX equipments e.g., resolution, speed, time, cost. This overview provides a background basis for considering the question of whether FAX can help the manager to accomplish his mission more effectively. The future of FAX is examined in the context of ongoing efforts to mitigate constraints, such as cost and speed of transmission, which drive the FAX system. Significant work is being done in bandwidth compression and other coding techniques.