The second generation of autoresponders saw them being used for different purposes like sending price lists and e-brochures, but still using very simple technology. A request was sent to a specific e-mail address and the predefined response was immediately returned with the requested information. Over the last few years, we have seen major changes in the technology being used. The enhanced features have provided many opportunities for marketers and merchants alike.

Today’s autoresponders are more sophisticated and are getting better every day; new features and bells and whistles are being added all the time. Autoresponders enable you to provide an immediate response to prospects and customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year without the need for human interaction.
In terms of mail list administration, autoresponders have changed dramatically. These programs gather the e-mail addresses of people requesting information and store them in a database. The program adds new names to the database and monitors and eliminates e-mail addresses that no longer work.