SMS Gateway API: What It Is and How It Works?
An SMS API is a software application that allows two or more computer applications to communicate with each other across one or more mobile GSM-connected devices. This software is a computer-coded set of instructions that enables applications to send and/or receive text messages through an SMS portal. The SMS Gateway is used to connect new or existing applications for sending bulk SMS messages for such things as announcements, advertisements and promotions to existing and potential customers and clients. Depending on the service, an SMS gateway is a simple and effective solution for the sending of bulk text messages over a range of mobile networks and can include various file formats that include text, voice, social-media posts and faxes.
Understanding SMS
Standing for “Short Message Service,” SMS has been around since the advent of cell phones and is currently the most commonly used form of text messaging service. This service, which you probably never think about when sending a text message, was invented in 1984 by the two German engineers Friedhelm Hillebrand and Bernard Ghillebaert, who wanted to create a way to send messages over the telephone network. Today the MMS, or Mobile Messaging Service, is the SMS variation that allows for multiple format files to be sent over the Global System for Mobile Communications, or GSM, network. This is how messages on social media sites like Facebook, Gettr, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp are sent and delivered when the device is not connected to the world-wide-web.
The Application Programming Interface
Standing for Application Programming Interface, an API allows one application to integrate, or communicate, with other applications. An API is a computer software program that operates unobtrusively in the background, invisible to users, and allows other software programs to communicate with each other. An API makes some functions of a software program on one computer available to another program on a different computer, allowing the two machines to communicate. APIs are an invaluable tool for personal and business use as they work in the background without either the administrator or the user having to know how either application is configured or functions.
For business, needs can shift rapidly as a result of constantly shifting digital markets, and APIs can save both time and money as they streamline app development and management, provide flexibility when designing or adding new tools and work with new technologies. Developers use APIs to simplify how new applications and their components are integrated into existing architectures and aid in team collaboration. APIs simplify how infrastructures and information are shared between users and allow for the monetization of data. APIs can be used to implement contracts by executing documentation symbolizing an agreement between parties, such as when you agree to a website’s “terms of use.”
How an SMS/API Gateway Works
Succinctly put, an SMS gateway API allows GSM telecommunications carriers to connect their subscriber’s devices directly to the web, avoiding having to use a third-party service. An SMS API provides the needed tools to increase sales, drive revenue, improve consumer engagement and help you stay better connected with your clients and customers. Once the gateway is integrated into your system, the SMS API eliminates the need for logging in to send messages, as the protocols enable sending messages automatically. This not only increases efficiency but it also saves on labor and thus reduces cost. As a word of caution, to avoid being fined by the FCC for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act Compliance you must set your system up so that users must intentionally opt-in to receive any SMS messages from you.
Conclusion
The advantage of using an SMS API is subscribers will be able to receive your messages as it does not require a web-based connection to operate, provided they have GMS mobile phone access. Depending on the gateway and its code, SMS gateways can have a range of downloadable scripts that allow you to customized your system with the types of services that will be the most valuable to you. Because various gateway APIs codes will provide for different options, be sure the application you choose has the options you need and that it will be compatible with your current systems and applications.
