The ESS ES56CVM-PI Data Fax Voice Modem is a dial-up modem card that allows a computer to connect to the internet or a phone line for sending and receiving faxes and voice calls, as well as basic data communication. The ESS ES56CVM-PI modem supports 56Kbps download speeds (the maximum speed for dial-up modems) and can be used for traditional telephone-based internet connections, even though dial-up technology is largely obsolete in most modern systems. The driver for this modem enables Windows to recognize and use the hardware for data, fax, and voice operations.

The Windows driver for the ESS ES56CVM-PI modem is necessary for proper communication between the modem and the operating system. Without it, Windows cannot manage the modem's functions, making it impossible to use the modem for internet connections or other communication tasks.