Described herein is a fax processing system that improves the speed and reliability of fax transmissions via a data communications network and provides a new method of transmitting facsimile images. Fax images are encoded with an embedded bit signal by a fax software program on the originating fax, where such bit signal is recognized by fax software at a fax service such that the original image data is transferred to the fax service via a secure link over a data communications network at internet speeds and notifies the fax service software with a confirmation.