[DRAFT] Common components
Notifications and messaging
- Last reviewed
- 7 September 2026
- Owner
- Head of Architecture
Notification components will enable your service to deliver messages to users. We have two main categories of notification applications - ‘communication’ and ‘error tracking’.
Communication
These applications will let your service send out email, SMS (text messages), letters, or a combination of all three, using HTTPS or SMTP protocols:
GovUKNotify SMTP Sparkpost Intellisoft SMS Send Grid Error tracking
These applications will provide error monitoring and alerts to services that are developing solutions, so that they are aware of errors as they appear:
Rollbar Sentry Each application brings a slightly different set of features and capabilities that fit different use cases. This table provides an overview:
Image of the DfE Notification Capabilities
Here’s a link to an Excel version of the table.
If you’re considering your options and want more advice, get in touch with your Architecture Lead.