So, what is FrontlineSMS? Well, FrontlineSMS turns a laptop – or desktop – computer and a mobile phone or modem into a two-way group messaging hub. Since it works anywhere there’s a mobile signal, it doesn’t need the Internet, a major advantage for many grassroots NGOs. Once you have the software running on your computer, you can send messages to wide groups of people, and collect responses to any questions or surveys you might want to run, all via text message.

An introduction to FrontlineSMS from Ken Banks, kiwanja.net Founder

What can FrontlineSMS do for me?

Are you a locally- or internationally-based NGO looking at the potential to use mobile phone text messages to reach specific groups of individuals within a target community? Or to run an awareness raising campaign? Or to run a competition, or carry out a text-based survey? Or to simply keep in touch with your fieldworkers or staff?

FrontlineSMS is the complete text messaging solution for the non-profit sector:

> Create and manage all of your SMS-related contact groups
> Send and receive messages via special on-screen consoles
> Provides incoming and outgoing message history for each contact
> Engage with your contact groups – run surveys, competitions etc. via the SurveyManager
> Run your own text-based information service via the automated ReplyManager
> Export data to Excel and other programs
> No need to be on-line – works on any GSM network via your own PC or laptop

If you have already identified applications for text messaging within your organisation and are looking for a simple, comprehensive, affordable and complete entry-level system then you’re in the right place. If you think text messaging could work for you but don’t know where to start, and are looking to try a service without having to dig too deep into your pockets, then you’re also in the right place.