Apple has integrated fax printing into Mac OS X v10.3 “Panther,” but some Mac users may lack access to a telephone line to actually send or receive faxes. j2 Global Communications Inc. addressed this issue on Monday with the release of Messenger for Mac OS X v10.1 or higher. The software enables Mac users to utilize j2 Global’s subscription-based fax send and receive solutions. Separate Messenger applications have been released for j2’s eFax and j2 services.
j2’s solutions provide users with faxing capability even if they don’t have a fax machine. You’re provided with a personal fax number; the service converts the received fax to a graphic file and then sends it to your e-mail address. Once you’ve received the file you use the Messenger application to view or print the faxed document.
The Messenger application also allows you to send faxes from your desktop or within the Print dialog in most applications. It also works with Apple’s Address Book application. It’s available for download free of charge, though it requires an eFax or j2 account in order to function.