I was building distance learning systems in 1997 and 1998 that included the ability to send faxes across a TCP/IP network. There were two devices (already on the market) that allowed you to push the send button on the fax machine, and forward it another similarly configured fax machine.

The intermediate format was to send a TIFF file to an e-mail server ... this sure sounds a lot like the patents being foisted upon small businesses today. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of either device, but I've got a picture of me hiking with my kids in one of these company's t-shirts. More to come!