Fax Service Client Application Programming Interface

The Fax Service Client application programming interface (API) allows you to incorporate basic fax functionality for users in client applications. This technology is available on computers that are running Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and later. The API includes both Win32® functions and an implementation of COM dual interfaces.

The first part of this overview outlines the tasks an application can perform using the Fax Service Client API, and the components you need to support its functionality. It also describes in detail the security features the fax service provides. Finally, it provides a brief discussion about fax ports, fax transmissions, cover pages, and fax routing methods.

The second section addresses differences between fax client applications that run in the Win32 environment and those that run in the COM implementation environment. It also discusses the fax service client functions, the COM dual interfaces, and the following related programming tasks:

• Connecting to a fax server
• Fax server configuration management
• Fax device management
• Managing fax routing data
• Transmitting faxes
• Managing fax jobs
• Freeing fax resources
• Disconnecting from a fax server

For more information, see Fax Client API Programming Tasks.

You should be familiar with the Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) Programmer's Reference and the Microsoft Telephony Service Provider (TSPI) Programmer's Reference before you read this overview. If you plan to use the fax client COM implementation, you should also be familiar with COM (the Component Object Model) and Automation programming concepts.