Modems need to gain the simplicity of fax or they will remain the domain of computer technophiles and never live up to their potential. Although fax is convenient, it has several limitations. It doesn't allow for the transmission of digital data. Too often, users are forced to rekey data from faxes that should have been transmitted via modem. This introduces errors, wastes time, and destroys productivity.
Fax also contributes to excessive paper flow.
The solution to these problems lies in the hands of hardware and software manufacturers. They need to develop products that make modem communications simpler and more effective to use. Modems still belie their hacker origins. Each piece of software must be customized with a specific setup string and other parameters for the specific modem it is using. Something has to be done to shield users from this unneeded complexity.