subject: The Significance Of Text Messaging [print this page] Two technologies which have made a big impact on human lives are internet and mobile. These unique and fascinating digital landscapes have literally shrunk the world of communication and marketing. No wonder then, these modern day tools are becoming extremely popular with businesses and individuals.
When internet first made its appearance decades ago, it was simply a window through which surfers could view text content. As it gradually matured and evolved, it offered several astonishing features like images, music, videos and animation. Today, it has blossomed into a virtual computing platform. The same transformation took place in the mobile landscape. In the beginning, users could just make calls wirelessly. Over a period of time, even this platform evolved and allowed subscribers to send text messages, multi-media messages and voice messages. Text Messaging is a process of composing and sending text information to friends, family and business associates with the help of hand held device. It is also known by another name; SMS or short message service.
SMS can also be sent to large number of recipients with a single click. This is called group SMS or bulk SMS.
Bulk SMS combines some of the amazing features of internet and mobile technologies together to offer innovative and affordable marketing solutions such as dissemination of SMS to thousands of mobile phone subscribers.
So, what exactly is Bulk Messaging and how does it combine the two technologies?
Bulk SMS or messaging is a way of sending mass text campaigns to thousands of opt-in subscribers. The whole process is initiated via bulk SMS software which allows marketers, organizations and others to send messages using internet protocols such as HHTP, SMPP and SMTP. This is where the two technologies converge.
Bulk SMS software also allows marketers to upload a list of mobile phone subscribers in text or CSV (Comma Separated Values) file formats. This software is highly advanced in terms of features. It segregates duplicate numbers and at the same time sends messages to those numbers which are free from restrictions. It also allows marketers to schedule these marketing messages for a particular day or date. Bulk SMS software is available in several versions, namely: web integrated, standalone desktop application or plug-in, which can be embedded in excel or email clients.
Mentioned below are some of the salient features of this software.
1. It allows users to send SMS through internet.
2. It can be customized with name and logo.
3. Extremely affordable, reliable and quick.
4. Provides reports, that help marketers design strategies for best ROI.
5. It can be used for a number of marketing chores such as business and brand establishment, product promotion, alerts and consumer interaction for lead generation.
SMS Service in its native format is used to send quick messages to friends and family, whereas this service in tandem with internet is usually exploited for several marketing tasks. These text only messages are stored in network operators SMSC centre, from where it is forwarded to the target recipients. If it is not able to send due to any reason, it stores the message and tries again after a while. SMS is generally restricted to 160 characters.
