frontlineSMS

FrontlineSMS: A MobileActive.org Review

November 12, 2008 | KatrinVerclas

file under:
bulk sms, frontlineSMS, mobile messaging, NGO, review, text messaging

In our ongoing reviews of mobile tools focused on the NGO sector, here is our latest edition: A review of FrontlineSMS, the much-written-about desktop SMs bulk messaging tool. We take a look at some use cases, outline technical considerations in using Frontline, and describe the tests that we ran.

From the review:

Firstly, and most importantly for many users, FrontlineSMS provides a simple way to send and receive SMS on a laptop or desktp, with contact management and grouping ability for bulk messaging. Provided installation comes off without a hitch and you are using a supported phone, this should allow new users to get started quickly, after which they can explore some of the more advanced functionality.

Kubatana.net

file under:
africa, frontlineSMS, Media and Journalism, sms, Voting, Democracy, and Civic Engagement

operates in:
Zimbabwe

contact:
Kubatana.net

Kubatana uses a variety of technologies to communicate with Zimbabweans - SMS is one of them. We send out notifications of public events, inspiring quotations, selected comments from current and past articles and statements and we convert some of our web site content into thought-provoking 160 character messages.

References / Past Projects

The Kubatana Trust of Zimbabwe, incorporating the NGO Network Alliance Project (NNAP), aims to strengthen the use of email and Internet strategies in Zimbabwean NGOs and civil society organisations. Kubatana makes human rights and civic education information accessible from a centralised, electronic source.

Our web site archives over 10,300 documents about Zimbabwean civil society. We have an electronic network of over 350 NGOs and CSOs. Each Kubatana partner has what we call a “fact sheet” in our online directory. Our project has given many NGOs an Internet presence without them having to spend resources on a fully-fledged web site. Our regular electronic activism campaigns encourage Zimbabweans and other visitors to our web site to mobilise, lobby and advocate. Being involved lessens one’s feeling of despair while helping us to keep inspired.