An autoresponder is a piece of sotware that — as the name suggests — responds automatically. In office terms, this most frequently applies to email programs and takes one of two forms: client-side or server-side. The former requires that an individual be logged into their email account with the software running, while the latter deals with the response at the server, even as it delivers the email. The server-side option is obviously more efficient. The purpose of the autoresponder is twofold. Firstly, it can be used as a means to alleviate repetitive tasks, In this function the software analyses an incoming email and, following defined rules, provides a reply to the sender. Usually, the analysis concentrates on the subject line of the incoming missive, since this is a separate data field and easier to manage, although rules can usually be built to look at the body of text as well. This functionality is used for administrative emails (such as non-delivery of mail and so on), but can be adapted to perform other tasks.For example, a business which provides information leaflets in electronic form may have a special email address with an autoresponder attached. A visitor to the website is invited to send an email with ” Req: xxxx”, where the ‘xxxx’ is the reference number of the leaflet they wish to receive. Rather than have a human at the business end replying to these emails by hand, an autoresponder can detect the subject content, attach the correct document to a reply and send it back immediately. It can even be built to follow up the email some time later for continued client contact. This was a popular use of autoresponse software before the advent of high-bandwidth connections and cheap storage made supplying the document online as a direct download much simpler. Many organisations use this method internally for template documents and so on, especially if they do not yet have an intranet implemented.The second and most common modern usage of autoresponse software for an employee is an ‘out of the office’ account setting. This allows users to flag their email account for automatic responses whenever an incoming mail is received on the server. Commonly, all incoming mails will be answered with a standard text (which the user has entered) to inform the person who sent the email that the recipient is not available until a particular time or date. Many autoresponders allow users to build rules around their responses, giving them the flexibility to automatically Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society