What are variables used for in email box settings?

In the settings of email addresses there is a list of variables under tabs "Signature", "Receipt", and "Anti-spam"; those variables can be used in the appropriate messages sent in response to customers' requests. Each variable is automatically replaced by its value when a message is sent to a customer; therefore, only those values will be visible to the recipients instead of the variables' names, e.g., the request ID (variable {REQUEST_ID}), his/her name ({FIRSTNAME}) and email address ({EMAILADDRESS}), the link to his/her online account ({REQUEST_LIST_URL}), or the first and the last name of the sender (variables {MY_FIRSTNAME} and {MY_LASTNAME}).

Note: There are far more variables available for use in email box settings in WebAsyst Help Desk. To view the full list, click the "more variables" link on the email box editing page.

Below is provided a sample text with several template variables:

Dear {FIRSTNAME},

Your inquiry has been received from email address {EMAILADDRESS}
and has been assigned number {REQUEST_ID}. Your request will be processed
within one hour. You can view its current status at any time in your
personal online account at {REQUEST_LIST_URL}. 

Best regards,

{MY_FIRSTNAME} {MY_LASTNAME}
Your support team

After the customer receives such a message, he or she will approximately the following text:

Dear John Doe,

Your inquiry has been received from email address john.doe@mymail.com
and has been assigned number 79543. Your request will be processed
within one hour. You can view its current status at any time in your
personal online account at
http://mydomain.com/personal.php?key=5093e6r1054962516d8f. 

Best regards,

Joan Smith
Your support team