What is an SMS gateway?

An SMS gateway is a form of interface between two different communication networks, often SMS and an email provider. By utilizing this interface, organizations are able to send out text messages through their email client without the need to purchase an expensive device or contract with a service provider.

The most common use of SMS gateways is in the use of an email client. By installing an SMS gateway, people can send text messages from their computers and forward them to their phone providers in real-time.

With the ability to send out text messages through a computer, SMS gateway systems are becoming increasingly popular. In addition, they are becoming more affordable and reliable.

For example, if a business owned by Belinda wants to send out an SMS message using his email client instead of directly through a phone company, he would need the aid of an SMS gateway. An SMS gateway could be used to send out the message for Belinda’s business, enabling her to save money and not have to go through a separate service provider.

Using an SMS gateway makes it possible to avoid having to purchase an expensive device or contract with a service provider.

How do SMS gateways work?

For an SMS gateway to work, the sender must have an email address and this must be linked to one of their phone companies. In other words, the sender must have a mobile number and a mobile service provider. Usually, this can be a service provider requiring you to have a contract for a certain number of services, such as Vodaphone.

Once these conditions have been met, the sender can utilize an SMS gateway to send out text messages from their computer. There are many benefits to doing this, including saving money and dealing with a separate service provider. However, there are some drawbacks as well, such as the fact that you will need to have a computer for this system to work and that you must be familiar with the use of an email client if you plan on using it.

Benefits of using an SMS gateway.

Flexibility

Using an SMS gateway will allow you to send text messages through your computer/web application. This means you can send as many as you want at any given time, as long as you have a computer and access to the internet. This is not available when sending them directly through a service provider.

Cost-saving

Using an SMS gateway can save you money. However, when sending messages through an SMS gateway, there are no extra charges since the messages are sent over the internet rather than through a carrier’s network. The cost of using an SMS gateway is negated by using your existing mobile number and service provider.

Diversification

Using an SMS gateway can work with all types of phones. For example, if you have a mobile phone that only has text capabilities, you can still use this system.

Little learning curve

You won’t need to be familiar with the use of an email client to make use of this informative article. Many people do not know how to use email clients, so there is no reason for them to feel overwhelmed when learning how to use one with features like these. How do you use an SMS gateway?

Common SMS gateway providers

There are many different types of SMS gateways, but some of the most popular providers that I have had a chance to explore are:

Twilio, MessageBird and ChatWork.

To get a more in-depth review of sms gateway providers – see this article.

To read more about SMS gateways, see this wikipedia article.