Many of the tools have a web component to them, as this allows backup syncing with the internet and the ability to do higher level analysis using maps and visual analytics.

Examples are Ushahidi, useful for crowdsourcing and mapping data, and Managing News which is used to aggregate and analyze data.

Useful tools for election monitoring generally have a backend that uses a computer. FrontlineSMS can be run offline, other tools like SlingshotSMS and RapidSMS are best used in conjunction with an internet connection.

Find out more about these tools on their pages.