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An SMS hub is a stand-alone system which allows you to send and receive large numbers of text messages via the mobile phone network, without needing to be connected to the internet or to any other computer network.

Interactive Voice Response, or IVR systems, run on computers. They handle incoming phone calls and provide callers with a range of automated options, allowing them to report specific events or get specific information.

You can use FreePBX, Asterisk or TrixBox to do this. These tools are powerful and have great potential for advocacy, but they are currently very challenging to install and require Linux administration skills.

'Clickatell is a commercial SMS service which allows you to send SMS messages via a web site or through desktop software. It offers SMS coverage to over 500 networks globally.

Who's it for; Commercial SMS services are good for organisations who don't wish to invest in setting up an SMS hub such as FrontlineSMS but wish to send and receive bulk SMS messages.

BulkSMS is a commercial SMS service which allows you to send SMS messages via a web site or through desktop software. It offers SMS coverage to over 500 networks globally.

Who's it for; Commercial SMS services are good for organisations who don't wish to invest in setting up an SMS hub such as FrontlineSMS but wish to send and receive bulk SMS messages.

Send and receive large amounts of SMS messages from your computer.

Who's it for: FrontlineSMS has been specifically designed for use by NGOs and doesn't require an internet connection.

Finding and engaging audiences can be a big challenge for NGOs. Mobile phones can help by providing a new means of staying in contact with those audiences. For example through SMS updates on campaigns and activities which can be carried out using FrontlineSMS or a commercial service such as Clickatell or BulkSMS.