Are SMS gateway services providers protocol/interface specific?

SMS gateway services providers usually only support certain protocols and interfaces. This might place a limit on the what, how and where of their products and services. What protocols and interfaces do these service providers typically use? HTTP: This is very simple to use and the most commonly supported protocol for sending and receiving text messages. However, it is not very secure. When logging in to an online portal where you have to submit sensitive personal information like your bank account details, service providers will use HTTPS (HTTP + SSL encryption) to ensure your safety. HTTPS encrypts data so your information can’t be stolen online. XML over HTTP / HTTPS: A SMS gateway services provider will use XML over HTTP / HTTPS for sending bulk SMS messages because it enables the submission of a large amount of SMS messages in a single HTTP request. SMTP: For sending email to SMS / or SMS to email messages. FTP: One or more SMS messages are put in a text file and uploaded to the SMS gateway provider’s FTP server. Like XML over HTTP / HTTPS, FTP is a better choice than HTTP / HTTPS for sending bulk SMS messages since it enables the submission of a large amount of SMS messages in a single upload. SMPP: The SMPP protocol is – Standard operator GSM interface. If you are unsure if a SMS gateway services provider has the means to develop and support your intended product, you can ask for more information on the protocols and interfaces they...

Do SMS Gateway services providers have hidden costs?

When signing up for any kind of service, you always need to have a clear the water” first and determine the effectiveness of an SMS campaign amongst your clientele, it will be in your best interest to choose a service provider that doesn’t have minimum purchase requirements. This way you can experiment and add or subtract from your SMS campaign. Another important question concerns time limits. Do you have to use your SMS purchase within a specific timeframe, or does it roll over to the next month? If your credit expires quicker than you can use it, you might want to look at a SMS gateway services provider with more leeway when it comes to message expiration. Protect your interest. Ask for all costs pertaining to SMS gateway services to be explained in detail before you accept a contract from a...

3 Important questions to ask a SMS gateway services provider

When looking for a SMS gateway service provider, it you X amount of credits, but you are paying as you go rather than buying a bunch of credits at the beginning of the month. In our next articles we will explore more SMS gateway services...

What to know when looking for SMS gateway services

There are a lot of mobile aggregation service providers who offer SMS gateway services. If you don’t know much about the newest trends in mobile communication, it can be a daunting task to find one that suits your needs. What should you know before you start looking? First of all it is important to know what or who it is you are looking for. These service providers use different terms to describe themselves, but in general they deliver the same kind of product or service. You can search for terms like: “mobile aggregation service provider” or “wireless application service provider/ WASP” or “mobile integration services”. If you have a look on Integrat’s website for instance, you will see the mentioned terms are used to describe who the company is and what they do. Use this as a point have. A willingness to share educational information online is a sure sign of trustworthiness and transparency. Remember, just as SMS gateway service providers differ in products and services, so will their costs. What can you afford? Look at your company’s budget and decide how much you have available to spend. Get in touch with different service providers and ask for their rates and if they have special offers. It is a good idea to get at least five quotes, or if possible, ten. Some mobile aggregators might want to determine your needs first before they give you a quote and will invite you for a consultation. Make use of the opportunity and get to know them and the products they offer. Prepare a list of questions to ask them beforehand and...