Do we have to change the email software we use in order to use this solution?
No. You continue to use your existing software (e.g. Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, etc). The branding only impacts the email after it is sent out from your mail server software therefore it is seamless to the email sender.

What response rates can be expected?
Response rates depend on many factors. However, because this is a solicited communication channel and the affinity is high (of those viewing the messages and their interests), response rates far exceed other marketing channels. Note that your branded inserts can be forwarded by the initial email receiver, which creates a viral marketing effect.

Can my branded email be used for Internal Marketing?
In general, internal marketing can be achieved where the email passes from one mail server to another via SMTP protocol. That generally means emails being sent between different geographical locations with different mail servers can use this solution.

However, for people on the same LAN, it is quite possible that internal mails will not pass through.

Where can an inserted message click through to?
When a receiver clicks on an inserted message, that insert can open a browser, download a file, view a video or view any content such as an HTML web site, a PDF document, an ASP page or a survey form.

Can footers be inserted?
Yes. Footers can be inserted and used for disclaimers, to disseminate general information, give up to date contact details, etc. One footer is provided for your company.

What file types can I insert as messages?
Static and animated graphic images (.gif and .jpg) and text can be inserted into emails. The email receivers will then be able to click and download PDF or other types of documents if you so wish. For security reasons, scripts or executable files (including flash) can not be inserted as these pose a virus threat.

Can the email sender control if a message is inserted or not and do private emails also get an insert message added?
Yes. A sender can enter a simple exclusion code [xrs] in the subject line of an outgoing email, which will cause that email to pass through the relay without having an insert included. The exclusion code will be automatically removed from the subject line as the email passes through the relay and will therefore not be seen by the receiver of the email.

Does Branded Email work with other mail servers and groupware products (e.g. Lotus Notes, Microsoft Exchange and GroupWise)?
Yes. It works with any SMTP server that is standards compliant and has the ability to forward outgoing mail to a specified network address.

What if we don’t host our own web site, can we still use Branded Email?
Yes. This solution is not linked to, or dependent on your website in any way. All it does is point inserted messages to pages on your website or any other site or web destination.

How is the image attached?
The inserted HTML image is not attached to the sender’s email. A line of text is inserted as an HTML reference to the actual image located on the relay. This means that when you send the email, your bandwidth is not affected by the image since the receiver’s email software actually “pulls” the image from the relay.

We suggest that inserts do not exceed 15 kilobytes.

How will Branded Emails impact my bandwidth?
There is negligible to no impact on the outgoing email bandwidth. The actual insert is not sent with the email and only a text-string-link to the insert is included in the email. When the receiver opens the email, the receiver then “pulls down” the insert from the email relay. This typically increases online web traffic by approximately 5-8% of the bandwidth used by outgoing email traffic. It is worth noting that traffic to your website should increase considerably because your branding will drive people to your website website. Inserts are also limited by the system to a maximum of 25 kilobytes. This is done purely as a courtesy to the receiver. We suggest that inserts do not exceed 15 kilobytes.