SMS Gateway Suggestions Needed - linux

I have several notification servers running with SMS Tools 3, attached directly (as in, via a cable) to GSM phones. One of them sends several hundred messages a day, and works pretty well, though for any more than that I'd probably look at a GSM modem rather than a GSM .

Link to chinaskyline

As for the , the Nokia i (being the last Nokia to use a proper (RS232) serial cable, rather than a USB connection) is especially painless to get working.

SMS Tools 3 is free software (GPLv2 or later). Yes, there is a cost to sending the SMSes, and it will depend on what plan you get on the . Many GSM vendors in the UK now do a plan which includes several thousand SMS messages for a very reasonable monthly charge, and I'd probably look at that if I were paying the bills myself. If your application needs to send SMS messages outside your country, though, things could get expensive quite quickly.

A short message service (SMS) gateway allows your computer to send or receive text messages. A variant of this system will enable you to use a multimedia messaging service (MMS) for more complex communications.

What is an SMS gateway?

You want to send a text message, but you don't want to use your . It's not impossible! You'll just need an SMS gateway. An SMS gateway is an interface, typically provided in app or computer program form. Use it, and your message can shoot from your computer to a (or vice versa).

Years ago, SMS gateways were offered as hardware. You'd pick up a physical tool and use it to do your work. Now, you must select a vendor partner, install some kind of software, and you're ready to go.

Multiple types of SMS gateways exist, including:

• Direct. Vendors offer programming that can translate your notes into text messages, and you&#;ll get responses from phones on your computer. Most vendors offer multiple protocols to choose from. 
• Gateway. Start with a SIM card, and install it within your SMS gateway. All of your messages will seem like they originate from your . 
• Spreadsheet. Begin with a list of numbers in software on your computer, and use the gateway to send the same note to each one. 

Any message you send through the SMS gateway is limited to 160 characters. If you have more to say, your note could get sheared into multiple messages. And you have no control over which comes first.

Longer, more complicated messages benefit from multimedia messaging service (MMS) apps. You won&#;t run into character limits with this solution. 

How are SMS gateways used?

Why should you bother with yet more software when your is always within reach? SMS gateways come with plenty of benefits almost anyone might need.

For example, about 49 million customers have opted into receiving SMS notes from brands. If you're on the marketing team, you don't want to tap out messages to each and every subscriber. An SMS gateway can dramatically reduce your workload.

You may also need to send a text message to someone without revealing your private number. SMS gateways help you to protect your privacy.

SMS gateway vendors offer tantalizing features, such as:

• Reliability. Your cell service may come and go, but your vendor is always online.
• Dedicated numbers. Your messages always seem to come from one number, so they&#;re less likely to head into spam folders.
• Multiple users. Everyone on your team could log on and work, even if you&#;re all on at the same time.
• Expanded reach. Some services let you reach overseas clients without added global charges.

While your company might be eager to jump on the messaging train, remember that you must have client consent before messaging begins. That requirement is part of the Consumer Protection Act, and violating it can be expensive.

Papa John&#;s learned that with a class-action lawsuit about unwanted texts that could have cost the company more than $250 million.

Understand the role of

Log into your computer, and you can send text messages to a with an SMS gateway or MMS gateway. In some cases, you don't even need software to make it work.&

Here's how to get started:

1. Compose. Don&#;t use fancy HTML or scripting. Write in plain text only.
2. Research. You must determine the recipient&#;s number and provider. With that, you can use this domain chart to fill out the &#;to&#; box.
3. Prepare. Type in your recipient&#;s number, the &#;@&#; symbol, and the provider domain. Keep these all squished together, so they look like an address.
4. Send. When you&#;re done composing, shoot that note out.

Which SMS gateway should you use?

Many companies want your SMS gateway business, and that means you have plenty to choose from.

Sorting the clever from the crooked isn't easy, especially if you're new to this form of messaging. Consider these notes.

 

Bulk SMS

Click Send 

Twillo 

Clickatell 

Has an API?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Serves overseas markets?

Yes

Are you interested in learning more about Sms Gateway? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Yes

Yes

Yes

Offers a free trial?

Yes

Yes

Yes 

Yes 

Requires prepayment?

No

Yes

No

No 

Charges setup fees?

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Charges monthly fees?

No

No

Yes

No 

 

We're just scratching the surface of features and comparisons here. For more in-depth reporting, check out SMS Comparisons. This company specializes in comparisons within this space.

References

SMS Gateway: From to SMS Text Message. (August ). Lifewire.

45 SMS Marketing Statistics Your Customers Wish You Knew. (October ). G2.

Papa John's SMS Practices Could Cost It Over $250 Million in Damages. Marketing Dive.

How to Send a Text Message From Your Account. (July ). DigitalTrends.

SMS Gateway Providers Comparison . (May ). SMS Comparison.

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