What are options for implementing email or SMS from an embedded system?

I'm interested in sending email notifications from a laboratory instrument (implemented on an ARM9, C/C++, RTOS). From what I understand, I would need to configure the SMTP gateway, username and password. The instrument has a limited UI, but I think we could manage it. Do solutions like this work? It seems like it would be convenient - but if the SMTP gateway is down - no开发者_JS百科 email. It seems like there are similar solutions for SMS, but I'm wondering if I am putting to much complexity in the instrument?

Depending on the RTOS you might have a look at POCO for a C++ solution, or possibly LuaSocket if you're willing/able to use Lua. I use LuaSocket in an embedded Linux device to send email and SMS, the SMS by looking up the phone's equivalent email address.