5.8 Configuring Fax Notification

NPC sends fax messages to specific destinations using the fax service and window messaging subsystem.  If these services are not available on your host computer,  install them first before using the fax notification function of the system.  You will also need to connect a fax/modem to your computer.  Installing a fax/modem can be a tricky process, so consult your operating system manuals for instructions on how to install your fax/modem software.

As a rule, the following services should be available on the host computer running NPC:
1. Personal Fax
2. Windows Messaging
3. Internet Mail and Telephony Services

For fax notification to function on an Unix-based system, connect a modem and NPC will be able to send fax.

To enable fax service on NT, the following steps can be taken as examples:

1.  You need to install Personal Fax and Windows Messaging.  Personal Fax is usually bundled with Microsoft's Small Business Server.  You may download its package from Microsoft's web site.

2.  Here are some of the known issues with installing Personal Fax.


3.  When Personal Fax is installed, only administrators can send faxes.  NPC has altered the associated configurations to eliminate this limitation. However, it is recommended to log in as an "Administrator."  For normal users to send faxes, you may check your write access in the registry key:

Fax service requires Windows Messaging to send faxes via email.


 


4. Add Fax Mail Transport as one of the active services to Windows Messaging profile.



Since NPC depends largely on the fax service installed to the MAPI of Windows NT for the delivery of fax messages, most fax notification parameters are configured through this software package. NPC allows you to set a telephone number for the receiving fax machine, the message that will be sent in the fax, the modem that will be used from a list of available modems, and the initialization string the NPC will use when starting to send a fax.

Profile Name –  is a collection name required for logon to a Windows Messaging profile (FAX, E-mail, Exchange Mail).  It is usually the same with the account name.  A profile name validates  the available messaging services and service providers during a particular MAPI session.

Telephone – enter the phone number of the event notification receiving fax machine. Note that you must enter the entire dialing sequence (no hyphens) including line access, country and area codes.

Message – the message that will be printed on the fax message.  You may add, for example, contact information for technical personnel.

Available Modems – choose a modem from those listed in the drop box.

Initializing String – is a standard AT command set initialization command string. The default is &F1X0M0 and should be appropriate for most modems. If you need to change it, consult your modem manual for the correct AT command string.

The Initializing String is applied for fax and pager service on Unix-based systems.

When you have finished, click Add to have NPC send event notifications to this fax machine. Next, either enter another fax machine to receive notices, choose another NPC item to configure, or click Close to save changes and exit the installation procedure.


Return to chapter index