System, apparatus and method for reducing fax transmission status outcalls from a FAX-to-SMTP gateway

A communication system for transmission of facsimile (fax) information using an email message from a sending fax device used by a sending fax user to a receiving fax device used by a receiving fax user through at least one mailer device comprising:

• a sending gateway device coupled to the sending fax device for causing transfer of a fax message received from the fax device and attaching the same to an email message, at least one mailer devices being coupled to a receiving gateway device and further coupled to the sending gateway device of receiving the email message and transferring the same to the receiving gateway device, the receiving gateway device being coupled to the receiving fax device and for detaching the fax information from the transferred email message and coupling the detached fax information, through a receiving communication link, to the receiving fax device for use by the receiving fax user, the sending gateway device responsive to a particular fax message and operative to prepare an email message having attached thereto the particular fax message and further operative to transmit the prepared email message including a first and a second confirmation requests for receipt by the receiving gateway device through the at least one of the mailers, the first confirmation request corresponding to a first response and the second confirmation request corresponding to a second response, upon receipt of a first response to the first confirmation request, the sending gateway device operative to await a predetermined length of time for a response to the second confirmation request and upon receipt of a response to the second confirmation request within the predetermined length of time, the sending gateway device operative to place only a single outcall to the sending fax device,
• wherein multiple outcalls for confirming the status of the fax message transmission is avoided thereby reducing costs to the sending fax user and further reducing the likelihood of confusion and logistic problems to the sending fax user.

A communication method for transmission of facsimile (fax) information and requesting confirmation of the transmission using an email message to send the fax information, upon request by a sending fax user, between a sending fax device and a receiving fax device, the email message being transferred through at least one mailer device coupled to a receiving gateway device, the receiving gateway device being coupled to the receiving fax device, the receiving gateway for detaching the fax information from the email message and coupling the same through a receiving communication link to the receiving fax device for use by a receiving fax user of the receiving fax device, the method comprising:

• receiving a fax message;
• preparing an email message having attached thereto the received fax message;
• transmitting the prepared email message including a first and a second confirmation requests for receipt by the receiving gateway device through the at least one of the mailers, wherein upon receipt of the transmitted email message, the fax message is detached of transmission to the receiving fax device, the first confirmation request corresponding to a first response and the second confirmation request corresponding to a second response;
• upon receipt of a first response to the first confirmation request, awaiting a predetermined length of time for a response to the second confirmation request;
• and
• upon receipt of a response to the second confirmation request within the predetermined length of time, placing only a single outcall to the sending fax device.