Alfa DiskFax explained

The Alfa DiskFax was a communication device created by Alfa Systems of the United Kingdom. It was launched in 1990. The DiskFax was designed to allow the transfer of digital files over a conventional telephone line to a remote DiskFax machine. In operation users would insert an PC-compatible floppy disc into the unit, at which point the data would be transmitted automatically to a receiver, which would write an image of the data on a local floppy disc. There were two models, one equipped with 5¼-inch, and 3½-inch drives, and a second with an internal hard drive for storing incoming data.^[1]

Encrypted versions of the DiskFax were sold to the military and intelligence markets.^[2] The DiskFax was also used by Britain's Conservative Party during the 1992 general election.^[3]

Alfa Systems was founded in 1985 by David Karlin, formerly of Sinclair Research.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: DiskFax . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220816111338/http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/15814/DiskFax/ . 2022-08-16 . 2023-01-19 . The Centre for Computing History.
2. Web site: Goodwins . Rupert . 22 August 2003 . Rupert Goodwins' Diary . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200926191200/https://www.zdnet.com/article/rupert-goodwins-diary-4010003686/ . 2020-09-26 . 2023-01-19 . ZDNET . en.
3. Web site: 16 March 1992 . Prime Minister's Campaign Coach - Use ff Computer Technology . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111027221601/http://www.johnmajor.co.uk/page2414.html . 2011-10-27 . Sir John Major.
4. Web site: Smith . Tony . 12 January 2014 . Sinclair's 1984 big shot at business: The QL is 30 years old . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221212112255/https://www.theregister.com/2014/01/12/archaeologic_sinclair_ql?page=2 . 2022-12-12 . . en.