site title

Forum | Forum Login | Forum Registration




What is SMS?


What is SMS?

SMS, also known as short messaging service, is the rage in Europe and parts of Asia. Gradually SMS is gaining momentum in the US as a low cost messaging solution. SMS is defined as text messages, up to 160 characters in length, sent to mobile phones. In recent months SMS has become synonymous with any text message sent to a cell phone.

Benefits to SMS

SMS is a convenient, cost effective alternative to voice messaging. SMS popularity has grown as a result of:

1.) Cost - SMS is less expensive then the airtime used for voice calls or web access.

2.) Non-intrusive - messages are received in a discrete fashion and do not interrupt an individual if they are in the middle of a meeting

3.) Integration Capabilities - many software programs can be set up to send text alerts to mobile phones when urgent conditions exist.

Short Messaging Explained

Short messages can originate from other phones, personal computers or the Internet. Consumers and businesses alike use SMS for remote communication, allowing for staff to be mobile and stay in touch with those who matter.

Who Offers SMS?

Today nearly all the cellular carriers provide some level of SMS or text messaging capabilities. Cost and features vary, with carriers offering a variety of packages to suit individual or business needs. Typically there are three options that carriers provide:

1.) Free of Charge - text messaging is included as part of a select plan.

2.) Per Message Fee - users are charged per message.

3.) Monthly Fee - a set monthly fee includes a specified number of text messages.

How Do You Send SMS Messages?

Messages can be sent a variety of ways, depending on the service provider that you use.

SMS Software

The most popular way to send text messages is using software. When using software there is no cost associated with the sending of messages. Depending on the carrier that you are sending to messages can be sent any number of ways. Different carriers use different standards or protocols, the common protocols supported by most software is: via modem (TAP, UCP), the Internet ((SNPP, WCTP) and via email (SMTP). Software is flexible and often allows for group or scheduled messaging. Another benefit to software is the ability to automate processes, sending SMS alerts when specific conditions exist often without the need for human interaction.

SMS Software - free trials available for download and evaluation http://www.notepage.net

Public SMS Gateway

Public gateways are often referred to as SMSC or SMS centers. The centers typically run a robust software application (like advanced versions of those mentioned above) and subscribe to a large database that allows for the messages to be routed to the appropriate carriers using the appropriate settings. When using an SMSC the sender incurs a per message charge. Cost will vary depending on the SMSC used to send the message but its not uncommon for it to cost .05 per message.

Phone to Phone

Many of the new mobile phones and those on the GSM network allow for messages to be sent from phone to phone. The keypads are rudimentary and not conducive for long messages but are effective when time is an issue and a concise message is needed.

Win for everyone

SMS messaging has been helpful to consumers and carriers, as the cost of sending and delivering SMS messages is relatively low. SMS messages have proven to be a lucrative revenue stream for struggling telecom providers.

The Future of SMS

SMS will continue to grow as part of the telecom industry. As software processes become more complex users will exploit text messaging capabilities in order to allow for additional mobility in the workplace.

About The Author

NotePage, Inc. develops SMS, alphanumeric paging and wireless messaging software solutions. http://www.notepage.net


MORE RESOURCES:

T-Mobile Cell Phone Service - The worst service in the industry
Reviewboard Magazine, IL - 11 hours ago
T-Mobile has several very attractive plans that make people think... hmmmm.... that's really too good to be true. Guess what? It is. ...


Intervision Network to Demo Beta Version of the Revolutionary Ice ...
International Business Times, NY - Nov 19, 2008
Intervision Network's Beta version of the new Ice Mobile cell phone hasbeen shipped. Manufactured by well-known Chinese cell phone manufacturerGlomarket, ...


Intervision Network to Demo Beta Version of the Revolutionary Ice ...
MarketWatch - Nov 19, 2008
Intervision Network's Beta version of the new Ice Mobile cell phone has been shipped. Manufactured by well-known Chinese cell phone manufacturer Glomarket, ...


InterVision Network Corporation to Launch Two Revolutionary Devices
MarketWatch - Nov 17, 2008
IVNET is releasing the new Ice Mobile cell phone that allows users to broadcast from the camera phone and stream LIVE directly to another phone or to the ...


Verizon Wireless to improve indoor cell coverage
CNET News, CA - Oct 28, 2008
Verizon Wireless subscribers who get spotty cell phone coverage at home or in the office could soon have a solution as the company rolls out a new service ...


Wireless and Mobile News

5 Ways to Save on Mobile Cell Phone Bills
Wireless and Mobile News, CA - Nov 13, 2008
By Contributor Wireless and Mobile News on November 13, 2008 6:15 PM Penny pinchers now have a great way to save money on cell phone bills. ...


Police beat
Chicago Daily Herald, IL - Nov 13, 2008
A T-Mobile cell phone, dark gray in color, was stolen from a vehicle parked in the 0-99 block of North 4th St. on Nov. 8 • Cynthia Irene Banda, 27, ...


Alternet Systems, Inc. Announces Transtech Sino America, Inc.'s ...
MarketWatch - Nov 11, 2008
Sales campaign to market Alternet's mobile (cell phone and PDA) transaction services to support electronic payment transactions in the financial, ...


Verizon Gives World Series a (Wireless) Boost
PDAstreet, CT - Oct 29, 2008
... Florida were treated to enhanced voice and data services, thanks to the carrier's high-tech Cell on Wheels (COW) - a mobile cell phone tower of sorts. ...


NewsOXY

T-Mobile Working to Fix G1 Mobile Phone Security Flaw
NewsOXY, FL - Oct 25, 2008
Researchers said they are making the flaw public because they believed that mobile cell phone users were not generally aware of the potential threats. ...

Mobile-Cell-Phone - Google News

Home | Forum | Site Map | Link Partners | Mobile Cell Phones Blog

Google
 

© 2006