Alerts subscribers by message or phone call. On a web platform, subscribers can configure different alerts, and alerts providers and providers can configure the type of alerts to which they let users subscribe. The web-services interface also lets third-party providers (external to the operator) generate alerts. Any type of business or organization (for example, a video club or hospital) can provide alerts.
The cost of the service can be charged to the subscriber only, to the provider only, or shared by both. The operator can also provide alerts free of charge.