Most software applications need to send email communications, such as account notifications, to customers, users and administrators. Constructing an email software solution or sending email in bulk, however, can be an expensive, difficult challenge for an agency.
The N.C. Department of Information provides a cost-effective, secure and reliable email relay solution that provides tremendous value because of its deliverability features, flexibility, security and reputation analytics.
Using Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), the most common email protocol, NCDIT offers a centralized cloud-based email relay and communication service that is scalable and supports on-premises and cloud-hosted applications.
Getting Help
| Support | Get Technical Support NCDIT Service Desk: 919-754-6000 |
|---|---|
| Support Hours | 24/7 |
Features
- Cloud-based email platform
- A sending statistics report that can help monitor sending activity
- Reputation dashboard that allows you to track issues that could have an impact on the delivery of emails
- Mailbox simulator that tests how applications handle certain scenarios
Benefits
Cloud-Based Platform
Amazon Simple Email Service provides secure email relay services through the cloud. Advantages of using a cloud service include:
- Automated updates and single sign-on access to simplify deployment and maintenance
- Highly reliable infrastructure
Improved Deliverability
Optimize email delivery results and gain insights into the performance of emails and get recommendations to improve deliverability and help implement email improvements.
Sender Identity Management and Security
Email relay service supports all industry-standard authentication mechanisms, including Domain Keys Identified Mail (DKIM), Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC). When an internet service provider receives an email, it checks to see if it is authenticated before attempting to deliver it to the recipient. Authentication demonstrates to the internet service provider that you own the email address you are sending from.
Statistics
Statistics reporting helps monitor sending activity and allows you to adjust your email sending strategy. This report provides information about the number of sends, deliveries, opens, clicks, bounces, complaints and rejections.
Reputation Dashboard
This dashboard allows you to track issues that could have an impact on the delivery of emails. The dashboard tracks overall email bounces and feedback loops for accounts and can inform you when other deliverability-impacting events occur, such as spamtrap hits and references to blocked domains in your emails. The dashboard also provides reports from reputable anti-spam organizations.
Request Process
To request this service, or for more information, submit a ticket using the NCDIT Service Portal.
NCDIT’s Enterprise Collaboration Services will contact technical staff to coordinate the details needed to fulfill the request. Project management begins upon receipt of a signed memorandum of understanding and the creation of a billing code.
Authorization
CIOs and security liaisons are authorized to request this service.
Requirements & Customer Responsibility
| Required NCDIT Services | N.C. Identity Management (NCID) |
|---|---|
| Other Technical Requirements & Prerequisites | Must have a dedicated domain. |
| Customer Responsibility | Designate an administrator to manage and provide support. |
Expected Delivery
| Acknowledgment Time | The service team should acknowledge a service request within about 2-3 business days. |
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| Turnaround Time | The service team should be able to complete a well-defined service request (including analysis meetings and training) within about 6 weeks. |
Customers
| Suggested For | Any state or local government agency as well as educational institutions |
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| Required For | None |
| Spotlight Customers | Not available |
| Support Process | Submit a ticket using the NCDIT Service Portal or contact the NCDIT Service Desk at 919-754-6000. |
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| Service Support Hours |
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| Service Availability | The service is available 24/7, excluding planned outages and maintenance windows. |
| Standard Maintenance Windows |
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| Service Communications |
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| Service Level Agreements | NCDIT Global Service Level Agreement |
There is no cost to the agency for this service.