The functionality permits users to transmit digital documents stored as email attachments directly to facsimile machines through an intermediary service. For example, a document drafted in a Google Docs environment and attached to a Gmail message can be routed to a designated fax number, rendering a physical copy at the receiving end.
This capability streamlines communication by eliminating the need for dedicated fax hardware and phone lines. Its emergence addressed the persisting requirement for physical document transmission within certain sectors while leveraging the ubiquity and convenience of electronic mail systems. This integration proved particularly beneficial for organizations seeking cost-effective and space-saving alternatives to traditional faxing methods.