System and method for computer data transmission

A method for controlling communication between first and second facsimile machines, the method comprising the steps of:

• formatting data according to a predetermined format comprising a message object having a plurality of data headers and corresponding data attachments each of said headers containing header data describing said corresponding data attachment;
• transferring said plurality of data headers from the first facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine;
• and
• after transferring all of said plurality of data headers, then transferring said corresponding data attachments from the first facsimile machine to the second facsimile machine.

A method for controlling communication between first and second computers, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating an unsigned and unencrypted linear header containing routing data indicative of a transfer path from the first computer to the second computer:
• generating an extended header containing data indicative of an intended recipient of said formatted data, said extended header containing a digital signature to permit detection of alterations to said extended header:
• generating at least a first attachment data block containing information to be transferred from the first computer to the second computer;
• generating an attachment header corresponding to each attachment data block and containing data related to a type of processing to be performed on said corresponding attachment data block by the second computer;
• and
• transferring said formatted data from the first computer to the second computer.