What software is needed for sending SMS?

The type of software that is important for any SMS gateway distribution needs to come from the SMS provider rather than from you. All you need to be able to have, in terms of technology for your information to be sent out via a text message is accessibility to the web from a computer appliance, whether it be a MAC, a PC, a mobile phone, an iPad or a Tablet.

The gateway software that the SMS provider possesses will be able to process easily as your instructions the infrastructure and platforms available will be able to convert your message into an SMS format that can be easily sent at any one time.

To send SMS messages, you will typically need an SMS gateway provider and software or application to interface with the provider’s API. Some common software options for sending SMS include:

  1. Custom applications: You can write your custom application using programming languages such as Python, Java, or PHP to send SMS messages through the SMS gateway API.
  2. SMS marketing software: There are many SMS marketing software solutions available that allow you to send SMS messages in bulk and track the results of your campaigns.
  3. CRM software: Some customer relationship management (CRM) software solutions include SMS messaging capabilities.
  4. E-commerce platforms: Some e-commerce platforms offer SMS integration, allowing you to send order updates, shipping notifications, and other SMS messages to customers.
  5. Online SMS services: Many online SMS services allow you to send SMS messages directly from your web browser without needing to install any software.

When choosing software for sending SMS, consider your specific needs and requirements, as well as compatibility with your SMS gateway provider, to ensure you’re getting the best solution for your needs.

Use of SMS gateway software

The gateway software developed by SMS gateway providers will cater for the distribution of small, medium and large numbers of text messages at any one time. Most software will allow you to add or subtract mobile phone numbers and these can be managed by the provider. They can upload a list or a group of numbers using a text file or a CSV file. Some of the systems can automatically delete numbers that have been duplicated or can validate the numbers before distribution.

Having the right software features and systems in place, SMS can be allocated specific times and dates for distribution, whether on a national or international basis. This is carried out by either the use of a direct or premium telecommunication carrier such as Telstra, Optus or Vodafone or using a hybrid or grey carrier which usually uses national and international telecommunication carrier systems.

SMS Gateway Software image 1

Type of SMS gateway software

There are numerous types of standard application program interfaces, known in short as APIs, which will allow developers to add text messaging functionality into their programs. Some of the common ones are File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP), HTTP or Email.

A business that has its own CRM software will make the provider’s API the best way to proceed. What it does easily is that it integrates into their system allowing businesses to automatically send SMS using their present software. Text messaging APIs are used in translating the website language into SDK in PHP.

What are SMS Gateway software advantages for your business?

What has been found is that reliable and effective SMS gateway software will allow SMS to indirectly drive sales and revenues, interact with customers and employees quickly as well as assist in recruiting new customers. It will ensure that your message, whether it is a marketing or communication tool is read quickly. In general, it is stated that over 92% of SMS sent to a mobile phone will be read within two (2) minutes of receiving the message.

SMS Gateway Software image 2

 

There are several advantages of using SMS gateway software for your business:

  1. Increased efficiency: SMS gateway software can automate and streamline many of the manual tasks associated with sending SMS messages, allowing you to save time and increase efficiency.
  2. Improved communication: SMS gateway software makes it easier to communicate with your customers, partners, and employees through SMS.
  3. Enhanced customer engagement: SMS gateway software can help you reach your customers with targeted, personalized messages that can improve customer engagement and loyalty.
  4. Better campaign tracking: With SMS gateway software, you can track the success of your SMS campaigns and measure their impact on your business.
  5. Increased security: Many SMS gateway providers offer secure, encrypted messaging to protect sensitive information during transmission.
  6. Flexibility: SMS gateway software can be integrated into a variety of systems and applications, providing you with greater flexibility and customization options.
  7. Cost savings: By automating many manual tasks, SMS gateway software can help reduce your overall messaging costs.

By using SMS gateway software, you can take advantage of these benefits and improve your overall messaging capabilities, helping you to achieve your business goals more effectively.

Overall, the advantages of services that use an SMS gateway platform will allow you to effectively cover:

  • Sending SMS from the internet using an SMS gateway provider is far cheaper than sending on a mobile phone;
  • Replies to a text message are received on a mobile phone;
  • Useful for reminders and appointments;
  • Send large volume SMS out at a pre-determined time and date or at regular intervals;
  • Personally address multiple recipients;
  • Set up SMS templates that can be used regularly; and
  • The SMS gateway API developer can access the provider’s API connectivity options to send either large numbers or individual SMS.

SMS gateway software security

Security is a critical concern when using SMS gateway software, as SMS messages often contain sensitive information that needs to be protected. Here are some key security measures to look for when choosing SMS gateway software:

  1. Encryption: Ensure that the SMS gateway software you choose uses encryption to protect the confidentiality of your SMS messages.
  2. Authentication: Look for SMS gateway software that requires authentication for accessing the platform and sending messages, to prevent unauthorized access.
  3. Access control: Ensure that the SMS gateway software you choose has robust access control measures in place, such as role-based access, to limit access to sensitive information.
  4. Data protection: Choose an SMS gateway provider that implements best practices for data protection, such as regularly backing up data, to ensure that your information is safe and secure.
  5. Compliance: Consider the compliance requirements of your industry, such as GDPR and HIPAA, and choose an SMS gateway provider that meets these requirements.

By considering these security measures, you can ensure that your SMS gateway software provides the protection and security you need to keep your information safe and secure.

Reviewing several reputable SMS providers in Australia, they have emphasised that they follow strict data protection policies and comply with confidentiality and privacy requirements.

SMS gateway software reliability

When reviewing many reputable SMS gateway software providers, the reliability of the software was considered to be extremely important. It is one thing to say their software is reliable; it is another matter to prove such gateway reliability.

The review indicated that the providers presented an Uptime SLA or a 100% money-back guarantee. Most providers claim at least 99% reliability with most of 99.95% uptime reliability, and that’s very good. This means that the business can have a good assurance that whether it sends small, medium or large numbers of SMS at any one time, most if not all, will be sent when required to the user within a period of a few seconds or the latest minutes of approving the content of the text messaging service.

With sophisticated and well-managed SMS gateway software developed by providers, it makes businesses sense to use this type of prompt communication to either small or large parts of the mobile phone population.

As can be observed from the graph the range of reliability factors provides an overview of which SMS gateway companies do offer a good service.

SMS Gateway software support

From a reputation and customer service perspective, SMS Global and ClickSend were regarded as the ones with the most reputable SMS gateway software providers as indicated by the graph demonstrated below. It was able to offer reliable distribution of text messages from a PC or web browser through its gateway IT platforms which included Outlook Mobile Service, Email to SMS, Bulk SMS, and Online SMS.  It is able to offer a competitive price per SMS and is able to match other providers’ fee structures as well as guarantee supportive customer service.

This graph shows that other SMS gateway providers also have state-of-the-art gateway platforms technology that is well supported by qualified technical support services. The advantage of having a 24/7 or business hours call centre or an Australian centre means access to the client who may need assistance or advice at any time.

About SMS Gateway Site and associated Comparison Table

When endeavouring to select the best valued and most reliable gateway provider, it can become a daunting task. There are so many features, so many platforms and different cost structures that it is difficult to compare. That’s why this site and the associated SMS comparison table were developed. It is available free of charge to help you better understand and compare what each provider has to offer.

The information presented is as current as it can be at this point. With SMS providers changing their fee and service structure, you must visit their site to make sure you have the most current details available from the SMS provider.  If you notice any difference between what is presented on this site and the provider’s site, please let the authors know so that changes can be made as soon as possible.

While the SMS Bulk Australia Comparison Table is free for the public to use, the authors wish to disclose that some affiliate relationships do exist. Such relationships do not impact the rates and fees users of the site will receive from these providers.

As the information comes from the provider’s website and not through an API feed, there is the risk data may become outdated without prior notice. As such, you should note below when the page was last updated. You should also check with the SMS bulk providers’ website account before signing up.

It is hoped that both the comparison tables and this site will assist you in determining the best-valued SMS provider for your needs.

Latest update on 4 January 2024

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