US Federal Court ruling on unsolicited SMS messages

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=108370

Enterprises turn to SMS - Sybase 365 article (2sms reference)

http://www.sybase.com/detail?id=1062665

The unrivalled global usage of mobile messaging is becoming increasingly attractive to enterprises as a generator for new revenue streams as well as providing value added services for end-users. More and more are embracing SMS, as a new and effective medium to reach their customers.

An example of how SMS can lead to cost reduction and increased customer satisfaction: An electronics manufacturer using SMS to lessen the burden on their call center for returned and warranty goods. This company has a single return center and a single phone number that customers can call. When an appliance breaks down, the customer calls the 800 number; the operator takes the appliance serial number and asks the customer to send the item to a specific address for repair. The customer sends it, then calls to see if it was received; then calls again to see if it is being fixed, then calls again to ask when it will be shipped back to them.

By using SMS, the customer sends a text message to the repair group with the appliance serial number; they get a return SMS message that gives them the address to which the item must be sent. When the item is received, the repair center confirms via an SMS alert to the customer and when the item is repaired the customer receives an SMS alert with the tracking number for the return shipment.

What is the difference? A minimum of five phone calls at the cost of $6 per minute versus five SMS messages with a total cost of about $0.25. Other benefits to the enterprise and the customer include reduction in call wait times and increase in customer satisfaction.

2sms launches Trigger messaging for US customers

Trigger Messaging provides quick and easy way to reach targeted mobile audience with automated message flow. Customer loyalty and rewards campaigns can be planned and launched in minutes.

Market your product, services or coupons with the cost effective text message marketing. Using Trigger Messaging is cost effective which can help to improve the speed, efficiency and therefore profitability of communications in your business.

• Customized personal Keyword and Trigger Message
• Message is trigger when cell phone initiates the Keyword to the share shortcode
• All reply messages can be routed back to your computer, email, database system using XML or text message
• Auto reply messages is what you build in a Trigger Message
• Modify your Trigger Message anytime/anywhere within seconds
• All incoming information can be routed back to your computer, email, database system using XML or text message

2sms launch a new web site for it's US business

2sms today launhed a new web site for US customers. The web site remains at www.2sms.com, but has been tailored for the US marketplace. Improvements include new information, solutions for industry verticals, a Buyers Guide, and improved navigation and flow through the site.

2sms continues to offer US customers 24/7 toll free support on 877 276 7266, or email support@2sms.com.

2sms opens office in Chicago, USA

2sms has opened an office in Chicago, USA. Located close to O'Hare airport, this facility will serve as a customer service center for US customers, and also provide training facilities for the 2sms US staff.

The office address is:

2sms
999 Plaza Drive, Suite 777
Schaumburg
Illinois
60007
USA

Telephone : 877-726-7266

Text messaging in the USA - SMTP v SMPP

There are two ways to send SMS messages in the USA.

The 'unapproved' way. Find a 'free' SMTP gateway, and send messages via email.

Advantages :
- Free

Disadvantages :
- Subject to anti spam filters. You are at risk of having your IP address blacklisted.
- You will need to know which mobile phone carrier owns the handset you are sending a text message to. Each carrier has a different gateway configuration.
- Delays, Messages can take seconds, minutes or hours to be delivered.



The 'approved' way - Via an aggregator or service provider who has officially provisioned connections to the mobile phone carriers.

Advantages :
- Your messages will get delivered
- Fast
- Single messages or in bulk
- With a service level agreement

Disadvantages :
- Not free!