A Short Guide To Sms Messaging Gateway

By Author: Srinivas Sakhare
Total Articles: 8
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Today, millions of SMS's are sent everyday. And the numbers are only increasing. The reliance on SMS has reached staggering levels. SMS is a versatile tool used for communication, marketing and advertising. Although, it is simple to use, the technology that runs in the background is quite complex. One of the essential components of SMS platform is SMS gateway.

So what is SMS gateway?

SMS gateway is a set of technologies which monitors and manages SMS sent by users. Here is how the SMS system works. When a user sends a message, it typically passes through SMSC (short message service centre) before it gets delivered to the target recipient. In case the recipient’s mobile device is unavailable for whatever reason, this message gets temporarily stored.

One of the reasons why gateways are necessary is because every company uses different set of SMSC protocols. In such a scenario when messages are sent from one network operator to another its protocol needs to be adjusted accordingly, which is done by the SMS gateway.

SMS ...
... in its basic avatar is simply a great communication tool. But when its power is combined with internet protocols and SMS gateway technology it evolves into a multi-faceted marketing tool. These tools and technologies together offer several subsets or variants of SMS called SMS solutions or SMS services.

Following are some of those services.

• Bulk SMS - Of all the services which SMS offers, bulk SMS is the most popular variant. It is used to promote business and products. The method is quite simple. Bulk SMS providers equip marketers with SMS software. This software is available in many forms such as standalone application, web interface or plug-in for email clients. Most of the marketers generally use web interface, in which case the user simply needs to compose a short and compelling campaign, attach subscriber numbers and click on the send button. Mentioned below are some of the highlights of this software.

1. Simple and easy to use web interface.

2. Customization possible.

3. Affordable and reliable marketing tool.

4. Marketers can actually know the impact of SMS messaging through reports.

• Short code & long code or two-way SMS - Another SMS service is two-way messaging which is accomplished with the help of short code or long code. It allows marketers to interact with customers. This service is used for television voting, product feedback and subscription based services.

• Voice SMS - As the name suggests voice SMS service is used in rural areas where language is an issue. Voice SMS, due its inherent advantages is adored by recipients. It gives messages an emotional touch. They are gladly accepted by the subscribers. Apart from telemarketing this service is also used for other tasks.

Whether you use email to SMS, web to SMS, HTTP interface or native device, messages typically pass through SMS messaging gateway. As mentioned above, these are like junctions or depots that sort out messages. Gateways interpret proprietary protocols and convert them according to the recipient’s carrier. Once the conversion is done, SMS's are despatched from one SMSC to another, till they reach their target audience.