Hardware and software that can hold messages and direct them to the right recipients

Software that can analyze and record responses to messages

A server that can store and access databases full of contact information (some providers will install a server behind a client’s firewall)

Storage space for archiving messages and replies

Encryption tools for use when handling sensitive information

Service plans can also differ substantially, much the way cell phone plans can have vastly different minute allotments and features.

Some of the factors that can affect the price or availability of a service plan are:

Minutes used or messages sent for each billing period

Number of contacts in the contact database

Types of messages sent

Size and number of e-mail attachments

Size of the message archive

Once the sender selects a provider and a service plan, he uploads his contacts to the provider’s database. Some providers can use existing contact lists, such as e-mail address books. Otherwise, senders may have to perform a data entry step to create the database before broadcasting can begin. If the sender represents a business that is trying to sell or market its products, he must also make sure his list does not conflict with national or local do-not-call lists.

People change their contact information relatively frequently, and not everyone wants to receive lots of broadcast alerts. To accommodate this, many providers allow recipients to change their information and preferences. Providers can include information on how to do this in their broadcasts. Senders can also create filters or multiple recipient lists to make sure people receive only the messages they’re interested in.