The Ubiquity of Bulk SMS

It isn’t in the least surprising that the use of bulk SMS has spread to emergency services. The fact that it is implemented to help the deaf community is innovative to say the least, showing that SMS as a communications medium has grown to be a part of our everyday lives.

After all, 4.6 billion people have access to a mobile phone – a figure set to increase to 5 billion a bit later this year. And, taking into account that 94% of SMS messages are read (75% are read almost immediately), it’s easy to understand why bulk SMS has become the ideal way to get in touch with a large number of people, in a very short time.

So to better illustrate how you can use bulk SMS effectively, let’s see if we can’t figure out what possible systems the New Zealand deaf community might have in place to achieve their aim of effective communication.

The Bulk SMS Interface

To start off, one would have to assume that the emergency services themselves are using a custom interface that will allow them to link all incoming (and outgoing) text messages with an individual’s profile. This points to custom programming, and therefore the use of an API, or Application Programming Interface.

Now before we list the API’s, one would have to keep in mind that not all API’s are capable of two-way bulk SMS messaging. However, it is possible to combine API’s to suit business needs. This means that one API can be implemented to send SMS messages while another can be used to receive messages. Note that all API’s are capable of sending SMS messages by default.

So what are the available API’s?

Two-way:

• HTTP/S
• SMPP
• SOAP
• FTP

One-way:

• XML
• SMTP
• COM

That being said, one would have to assume that, seeing as a custom interface might be used by New Zealand’s emergency services, a high-volume API is being used to possibly cater for the entire deaf population of 79,000. One such API is SMPP, capable of two-way sending and rapid bulk SMS message transmission. And that’s one possible scenario of how New Zealand is able to provide its deaf community with access to emergency services.

What Can You Do?

While the above explains a scenario where high-volume messaging might be appropriate, keep in mind that there are tools that would allow even smaller businesses to do much the same for their local deaf community.

The benefit of using bulk SMS is that you’ll be able to reach more customers using a medium common to almost 5 billion people on earth. This will not only add to your demographic, but also supply you with a platform for business expansion.

For more information on how you can text-message enable your business to cater for a greater target audience, read more on our bulk SMS page.

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Let’s kick off with a quick introduction to SMPP…

It’s short for Short Message Peer-to-Peer and refers to a protocol used to send Short Message Service messages (SMS messages) from an ESME (External Short Message Entity) to a mobile device or even another ESME. The latter refers to any fixed network SMS clients such as your server, a WAP proxy server, a voicemail server, etc.

So why should you use SMPP? If you’ve done a bit of homework you’ll realise that there exist a number of other protocols you can use to send SMS messages. These are accessible in the form of Application Programming Interfaces (API’s) that include HTTP/S, FTP, SOAP, XML, SMTP and COM objects.

But SMPP is more often than not favoured above (or used in conjunction with) these protocols due to its high-volume messaging capabilities and the fact that it isn’t subject to translation between the SMS gateway and the SMSC. However that’s just about the extent of the benefits as all protocols (or API’s) support reliable messaging.

Sending Messages with SMPP

So what happens when you send messages using SMPP? Let’s take a look:

1. Using a TCP or X.25 connection, an SMPP session is established between your network and the SMS gateway.
2. Now this connection can refer to either one or two virtual sessions: SMPP v3.3 requires a separate connection to send and receive. However, using the BIND_TRANSCEIVER field, it is possible to both send and receive using a single TCP or X.25 session.
3. As soon as the connections are established, transmission commences in either synchronous or asynchronous mode. Here’s how they differ:
   1. Synchronous: Each peer has to wait for a response for each transmitted PDU (Protocol Data Unit)
   2. Asynchronous: The transmission of PDU’s and their corresponding responses occur in different threads.
4. Now, once your message reaches the SMS gateway, it is translated into the correct protocol for further transmission. SMPP is seen as one of the de facto protocols for pre-SMSC message delivery, which means your messages are forwarded directly to the SMSC and are then translated into the correct format. However, if you’re using SMTP, then those messages are translated into SMPP before being forwarded to the SMSC.
5. So now your messages are with the SMSC and are ready to be forwarded to the appropriate destination handset. Or, almost.

First it has to be determined where the destination handset is. This can either be done with a prefix lookup, or with an HLR (Home Location Register) lookup. This is done using the IMSI  and the MSISDN stored in the SIM of the destination mobile.

Seems pretty simple, doesn’t it? And it is, if you care to not look under the surface. In addition to the above, there are a host of other carrier-specific protocols that come into play. But that’s another blog for another time.

If you’re interested in learning more or signing up for this powerhouse protocol, simply follow the link to our SMPP page.

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So let’s take a step by step look at how you can automate your email to SMS processes. You don’t need to be a genius or even too proficient with computers. All you’ll need to do is follow these steps.

Before You Begin

Kicking off with email to SMS, let’s look at the length of your average text message. The default is 160 7-bit characters per message, with the possibility of concatenation (meaning more than 160 7-bit characters). These characters are defined in the GSM 7-bit alphabet. If you’re going to look up said alphabet, just keep in mind that there’s also an extension table with 10 extra characters defined.

Characters that do not form part of the 7-bit alphabet are most likely 8-bit and will therefore shorten the standard length of your text messages.

Script Variables

Now you’re ready to start creating that script to convert your email to SMS. For the purposes of this example, we took an existing VBA script and converted it to SMS the subject to a destination phone. Using this script in your favourite email client, you’ll be able to create a filter or message rule that activates the script when, for instance, a specific person sends you an email.

Take note of the statically coded variables. These include:

• “user:<your username>”
• “password:<your password>”
• “api_id:<your API ID>”
• “concat:1″
• “reply:<your reply address>”
• “to:<the destination number>”
• “text:<leave blank>”

From the above you’ll note that ‘concat‘ has been left at ‘1′. This can be left out as ‘1′ is the default value of this parameter. It specifies the number of parts the message should be broken into when the email to SMS operation takes place, and is only applicable when the subject will exceed 160 characters (in this case, however, it is recommended that it be left at one as not all email subjects will exceed 160 characters). Additionally, the ‘text‘ field has also been left blank seeing as it will be followed by the subject of the mail.

Here’s the complete script:

Sub SendSMS(Item As Outlook.MailItem)
Dim objMail As Outlook.MailItem
Set objItem = LoadOrigMessage()
Set objMail = objItem.Forward
objMail.To = “sms@messaging.clickatell.com”
objMail.Body = “user:<your username>” & vbCrLf & “password:<your password>” & vbCrLf & “api_id:<your API ID>” & vbCrLf & “concat:1″ & vbCrLf & “reply:<your reply address>” & vbCrLf & “to:<the destination number>” & vbCrLf & “text:<leave blank>” & “Subject: <leave blank> ” & objMail.Subject
objMail.Send
Set objItem = Nothing
Set objMail = Nothing
End Sub

Function LoadOrigMessage() As Object
Dim objApp As Outlook.Application
Set objApp = Application
On Error Resume Next
Select Case TypeName(objApp.ActiveWindow)
Case “Explorer”
Set LoadOrigMessage = _
objApp.ActiveExplorer.Selection.Item(1)
Case “Inspector”
Set LoadOrigMessage = _
objApp.ActiveInspector.CurrentItem
Case Else
End Select
End Function

Now what the above script does, is to load the function ‘LoadOrigMessage‘ from within ‘Sub SendSMS‘. This will load the original message to be forwarded to the server that makes email to SMS possible. Note, however, that the original message body will be replaced by the values specified in ‘objMail.Body‘, and only the subject of the original mail is passed on. See how easy it is?

Getting closer to the end, there’s only one additional thing you should take into account regarding email to SMS: messages should be sent to the destination email address in plain text. To do this, you’d either have to set your default message format as plain text or add functionality to the script that converts the text to plain text.

And that’s all there is to it. Feel free to use this for yourself or for your company organisation – follow the link to read more about email to SMS and start sending with 10 free test credits!

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We often get a couple of customers who feel left in the dark with all the SMS jargon around. After all, what does “Mobile Originated” and “Mobile Terminated” actually mean? Below we’ve taken a selection of the frequently used terms and elaborated on them a little. If the term you’re looking for isn’t in the list below, leave it in a comment and we’ll be sure to post a relevant explanation.

Mobile Originated

This is a term you’ll hear a lot, and is applicable to both local and international SMS. It refers to a message sent from a mobile handset to an application. For instance, if you’re running a campaign to increase your opt-in customers by supplying them with “25% discount on all products this Valentine’s day”, then the messages you receive from them are mobile originated. The numbers you have then are mobile originated numbers.

Premium Rate Message (MO)

This refers to a message sent by one of your opt-in clients to your premium-rated number. Under normal circumstances they’ll be charged more than the standard rate. Take note that certain restrictions apply when it comes to international SMS messages and premium-rated messages.

Mobile Terminated

Mobile terminated refers to messages sent from your application, be it local or international SMS that terminates on your client’s mobile handset. An example is sending out the voucher codes for the 25% discount to those individuals who opt-in on your mobile campaigns.

Premium Rate Message (MT)

This refers to a message sent from your application to the mobile handset of one of your subscribers. As with the MO premium-rated message, they are charged a certain amount for receiving the message. These messages often contain data, an application, ringtone or image to justify the associated cost. Again, note that there are certain restrictions that apply concerning international SMS messaging.

Revenue Share

One of the biggest motivators for premium-rated messaging is the revenue share, which basically refers to the division of profit between the content provider and the network operator hosting the premium-rated messaging. Premium-rated messaging can under normal circumstances only be done locally, which means that premium international SMS messaging will require an agreement with network providers in the destination country.

Sender ID / Source Address

This refers to the number from which your messages will be sent. The sender ID refers to long numbers, short numbers and those instances where the sender ID is a company name. In short, it’s the number your contact will see on their mobile handset as the “From” number. Again note that certain restrictions apply with regards to international SMS messaging.

Destination Address (MSISDN)

The name is self-explanatory, and refers to your contact’s mobile number. Do note, however, that this number should be in a specific format that includes the country code (without the leading zero) and the rest of the mobile number. Whether you’re sending international SMS messages or just locally, this is the format the destination number must maintain.

If the above words made sense to you and you’re ready to take it a step further, click to navigate to our international SMS page.

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Imagine being able to reach out to your patients whenever you need to to ensure that they take their medication or just to provide them with a word of encouragement. For many patients around the world this could be an invaluable service, and help them with the motivation they need to get better in no time at all. As someone who needs to keep an eye on the progress of your patients, how can the use of SMS gateways benefit you?

“Wait! What are SMS gateways?”

Ever sent an SMS message from the internet? If you haven’t, then take a look at the web-to-SMS application, Communicator. As with the Communicator, most other types of software and hardware that are SMS-capable send messages in a certain format. Your message needs to be translated into the appropriate format so that it can be sent on to the appropriate destination network, and on to the destination handset. SMS gateways form an integral part of everyday messaging, and enable businesses around the world to get in touch with their clients.

“So where does Health care come in?”

The benefit of SMS to health care is that it allows for communication using a medium common to all mobile phones. This communication, when used in the shape and form of an SMS gateway, like the Communicator above, can help to greatly improve patient care. This can be done by:

• Sending appointment reminders “Mr. Smith, friendly reminder of your appointment on 14Jan @ 9AM”
• Sending medication reminders “Mr. Smith, lunch is coming up, time to take your medication as indicated”
• Checking up on patients “Mrs. Smith, experiencing any chest pains? Reply to this SMS or give me a call”
• Motivating patients “Mr. Bell! The weather’s good and no better time to take the dog for a morning walk!”
• Tips for staying healthy “Mrs. Johnson, remember that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Eat more fruit & feel better!”
• Sending out account payment reminders “Dear Mr. Ecklestone, please remember to settle the costs for your medication. Outstanding amount: GBP 15.50″
• etc.

The great benefit is that this adds a value-added dimension to the medical profession. This means that patients will get more bang for their buck, and appreciate the efforts invested toward their well-being, thereby staying with their caring GP for longer. And, lest we forget, when SMS gateways are employed to relay SMS messages, it has the potential to dramatically cut down on voice call costs.

What You can do with SMS Gateways

Features present in software that connect to SMS gateways to send your SMS messages are usually those that make life a bit easier by supplying you with greater control over who you want to message, when you want to message them and what message you want to send. These features include:

• Address book management
• List segmentation
• Delayed messaging
• Routing profiles (when there’s a messaging budget)
• Two-way messaging (Allowing patients to reply)
• International messaging (Getting in touch with patients wherever they are)
• and much, much more…

If you are in the medical profession, then this is the communications product to help you provide greater care while cutting down on costs. Find out more on the SMS gateways page.

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One of the great things about sport is that it unites people of a like mind. For the duration of the season, rugby fans unite, cricket fans come together and tennis fans celebrate a shared interest. And the same holds true for all other types of sport. And the best thing is, this is the ideal opportunity to mix business with pleasure. Here’s how, with the SMS gateway:

#1 Create Brand Awareness

Statistical data exist aplenty to motivate the use of an SMS gateway as a medium to communicate with current and potential customers. Regardless of your business or industry, SMS can be used to create an awareness of your brand among a target audience.

“Aus v Eng, 22:13. 15 min of first half remaining. BBrand Electrical – Great Power, Excellent Service”

The above illustrates a message sent by an electrical company through the SMS gateway to a group of customers who signed up in-store to receive rugby match updates during the game. This allows BBrand Electrical to communicate with customers in a context that stimulates a shared interest association with the brand name.

Customer Benefit: Clients will appreciate this because messages sent through the SMS gateway are instantaneous. And, even if they aren’t read immediately, your customer will be able to follow the progression when the SMS messages are read in sequence.

#2 Distribute Promotional Information

“Aus v Eng, 22:17. 10 mins in to second half. BBrand Electrical – 25% off all fittings until if Aus wins!”

The above message not only conveys the rugby score, but also relays promotional information to customers who opted in for the SMS service. The immediate benefit of this type of communication is that it fuels customer retention and it can be used to increase sales.

Tip: Whether you’re a small business or a large corporate entity, you’ll be able to increase your sales potential with targeted mobile marketing through the SMS gateway. This means that, instead of marketing one product to the entire contact database, it could be better to distribute product information related to the previous purchases of your clients.

Example: If Jim bought a couple of light fittings last week, it might be a good idea to let him know that you have light shades on special. This could potentially mean more to Jim than, say, plugs or a screwdriver set.

#3 “Text-to-Win” Premium Rate Competitions

Messages sent through the SMS gateway to premium-rated numbers are usually charged at higher rates than when sent to normal numbers and are more often than not associated with a Common Short Code (CSC), a number 4 to 6 digits long. The funds accumulated during premium-rated message campaigns are usually split between the network operator and the company hosting the messaging campaign according to a predetermined profit-sharing model.

“Aus v Eng, 22:22, 15min remaining. Reply to this message and guess final score – Win $1,500. Texts charged at $3. BBrand Electrical”

This will allow customers to actively participate, and BBrand Electrical to receive a share of the profits generated from this campaign as well as some valuable brand visibility.

Carrying on this way, BBrand Electrical will soon have established a close-knit relationship with their customers and also see an increase in sales. If you would like to do the same in the coming months, then follow the link to the SMS gateway page.

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With our lives becoming increasingly mobile, your clients and customers might soon expect more from you in terms of service delivery to help them move forward, while they’re on the move. Providing mobile and SMS services can supply your customers with the solution they need, consequently fuelling customer loyalty and possibly even attracting new customers.

So what are these SMS services you should be offering your loyal customers who spend their hard-earned money to fuel your business?

Depending on how SMS is integrated into your current software infrastructure, you’ll be able to provide almost any type of service that can be fitted into the standard 160 characters (or more).

Promotional Information

A traditional SMS service, and one that’s probably here to stay, is to provide your current and prospective clients with promotional information on a regular basis. This type of service, especially in a world where consumer behaviour is changing as a result of the global recession, will become invaluable as consumers continue to hunt for bargains and lower prices, even as the world slides out of the recession.

Accounts Services

The benefit of implementing an SMS service is that it allows you to communicate account information with current customers and clients, instead of making expensive telephone calls or investing in large amounts of stationary and postage. Examples here include “Balance for Acc. No. 23746388399: $1201,98 on 18/01/10” or “ Dear Mrs Johnson, please remember to pay your account ASAP. Amount due: $453, 98”.

Support Services

Can SMS streamline your current support services? What about when a user requests a new username, password, etc. This type of SMS service can be used to minimise the time spent by support staff on small user requests that can easily and affordably be sent out via SMS. Another benefit is that this adds an extra measure of security as SMS is less subject to security breaches than email.

Value-added Services

Adding value to your core business is one of the most effective marketing strategies to date. Why? Quite simply because it allows you to ensure that your subscribers keep you in mind, wherever they are, regardless of what they are doing.

Types of value-added services that are often provided through an SMS service include weather updates, sports updates, stock updates, currency exchange rate information and much, much more. These all represent useful bits of information that people need in their daily lives. And when it’s you they’re getting it from, you can be sure that they’d keep you in mind the next time they need a service or product that you can provide.

Weather you’re in the finance industry or the technology industry, there’s a solution that could help you streamline your business. For more information, view these SMS services.

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According to a report on thinkingaustralia.com, the Australian economy has recovered strongly and is well on the way to the next “big boom”. Consumer confidence is up and it would seem that Australians are again willing to spend. But to ensure that businesses ride the tidal wave of profitability and recover any possible losses experienced during the 2008-2009 period, it might be prudent for business owners to invest in a different form of marketing – text marketing through the SMS gateway.

Text Marketing for Retailers

Knowledge is power as they say; however, in terms of marketing, the focus is slightly different: by distributing customer-relevant information this year, Australian businesses can effectively increase their own financial standing, thereby taking hold of the looming economic upturn. Examples of relevant business-consumer communication include:

• Promotional information: “Discount @ CMOP Department Store this Saturday – only while stocks last!”
• Related sales information: Advertising special offers on products related to previous purchases “Dear Mike, need a sprinkler system for your newly laid lawn? Up to 20% off on selected models until Feb 12th, 2010″.
• Account information: “Dear Sue, after purchasing the China DeLuxe Dinner Set (12pc), your account balance is now $1024,01″
• Account notifications: “Dear Adam, just a reminder that payment is now due on your account. Regards CMOP Department Store”

According to the aforementioned report, retail sales increased by 1.4% in November, 2009 – perhaps a good indicator that it’s time to look into text marketing & communication with customers through the SMS gateway today.

Financial Institutions & SMS Communication

But it’s not only in the retail sector where things are looking up. As a result of an increase in sales recorded in a number of industries, financial institutions will almost certainly benefit from SMS gateway use.

One of the many advantages is that the SMS gateway can be entirely integrated with an existing software infrastructure through any of the existing Application Programming Interfaces (API’s) to send near-instant text messages. This means that financial institutions, who have not as yet implemented the SMS gateway, will then be able to:

• Communicate account-related security information with customers, thereby increasing customer confidence “Log in via internet: Account number 429992992 on Mon 11 Jan 2010, 14:49 from IP…
• Confirm customer transactions, adding to account security “Withdrawal from account 429992992. Amt: $129.00. Current Balance: $1024.01″
• Send out payment reminders “Reminder: $444.32 due on your account no later than 15th Jan 2010.”
• Provide customer support “Reply with HISTORY to this SMS to receive a report on the last transaction on your account.”

Using any of the API’s will provide you with a logging feature, which means communication with customers can be tracked and recorded on their individual profiles, thereby assisting in the customer administration process.

For more information about the various API’s go to the SMS Gateway page now.

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It’s 2010 at last and, as with the beginning of every year, you’re wondering what will lie ahead in the months to come and what you can do to ensure that a steady flow of business will keep coming your way. SMS Gateways provide you with a number of benefits over existing technologies to help you supply the best possible service and streamline your business.

Why Use an SMS Gateway?

Essentially it boils down to using text messages as a method of business communication. The benefit of using SMS gateways include:

• Ready to read: Unlike email messages, SMS messages aren’t moved to the spam folder – they go straight to the inbox.
• Efficient messaging: Type a message using your computer’s keyboard and send it to 1, 10 or even 1,000 individuals.
• Cost-effective communication: Providers often have agreements with local and global mobile operators that allow for reduced price messaging.
• Reporting: See which messages have been delivered and which are still pending delivery or have failed.

More specifically, however, is the fact that SMS is a very immediate form of communication that allows you to reach your clients while they are on the move. This means they don’t need to be in front of a computer or close to a landline.

Here are some instances where using SMS gateways can help you improve your business:

• Project notifications. Whether you want to notify your client that the finished project is in their mailbox or that you need an extension on the deadline, SMS provides a reliable method of sending project notifications: “Hi Sam, the completed files are in your mailbox. Regards, John – XXY Creatives”
• Reminders. Using SMS to notify clients that invoices have been submitted or that payment is due will provide you with a method of swift communication at the fraction of a cost of a telephone call: “Hi Jill, the invoice has been submitted to accounts. Regards, John – XXY Creatives”
• Promotions. Whether you’re starting out or have been in the business for years, it’s a good idea to send out specials offers once in a while to provide your clients with more bang for their buck: “Terry – 15% off all new orders before 31st of Jan, 2010. Regards, John – XXY Creatives”

Note: Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, you’ll still need to adhere to local and international regulations regarding the sending of SMS messages.

What is an SMS Gateway?

SMS gateways are platforms that are responsible for relaying SMS messages from sender to receiver. But they are much more than that: they allow you to send and/or receive SMS messages through your current software infrastructure. This means that a number of technologies, which enable individuals of all levels of technical proficiency to integrate SMS into their business without incurring any massive costs, exist. These technologies include:

• Browser-based SMS interface (Beginner – Intermediate)
• Application Programming Interfaces (API’s) (Intermediate – Advanced)

For more information on how you can integrate SMS into your freelance business, click to go to the SMS gateways page.

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Last week an article featured on the Jordan Times‘ website, announcing an initiative by the Jordanian government to use SMS as a medium to encourage Jordanians to save water. According to the report, SMS messages will be sent out to more than 2.3 million subscribers to raise awareness on the increasing scarcity of water, hoping to change water usage behaviour and boost the national economy. Although there exist a couple of API’s (Application Programming Interfaces) capable of sending out such a large volume of SMS messages, SMPP provides the most flexibility in terms of integration and functionality.

SMPP & Your Business

You might not have 2 million or more customers to reach out to, but even a few hundred will validate the use of SMPP as a communication method between yourself and existing customers and clients. You’ll also be able to get in touch with potential clients by sending out SMS messages in “Text to win” campaigns, as coupons or any other type of marketing campaign designed to increase your current customer base or brand awareness.

As a result of the rapid succession in which messages are sent, SMPP is also ideal for companies who need to relay time-critical information, such as stock quotes, currency information, flight or travel information and weather updates to customers and employees, both locally and internationally. And they’ll appreciate it, because they don’t need to be in front of a computer terminal to receive the information – it’s right there with them, while they are on the move.

For examples of companies that have successfully used SMPP as well as others to expand their businesses through SMS, See Clickatell’s 101 Business Uses whitepaper.

So what is SMPP?

The SMPP, or Short Message Peer-to-Peer, API actually refers to a protocol that allows for the sending and receiving of messages from or to a native software environment via the SMS gateway. This is done by establishing an SMPP session over a TCP connection with the SMS gateway, after which SMS messages can be sent and received.

Currently the most recent SMPP version is 5, allowing for sending and receiving using a single SMPP over TCP session. It needs to be said that v3.3 is still the most widely employed and requires a separate session for sending and receiving respectively. Some providers do, however, allow use of the BIND_TRANSCEIVER field with the use of v3.3 that allows for simultaneous sending and receiving, thereby supplying greater messaging functionality while adhering to popular standards.

So whether your aim is increased employee productivity or a rise in sales, SMPP is an invaluable communications tool. For more information on how you can SMS-enable your business, follow the link to the SMPP page.

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