How to send SMS from your computer

You have already learnt why you should implement SMS technology in the previous pages. Now it is time to learn the technical requirements your system needs to meet to be able to send SMS messages from a computer. On this page you can find a brief explanation on how the SMS sending process works in your IT infrastructure.

SMS technology:
SMS technology is a developing communication method for delivery of important and brief information as plain text messages. It is commonly used in everyday life however, SMS messaging is far more than just a tool for teenage communication. It is highly recognized by the business world. Its popularity is due to its simplicity and efficiency (SMS messages can hold short but critical informations like reminders, notifications, alerts, etc.)

How to implement SMS technology into your IT system:
The greatest advantages of SMS technology is that it can be easily integrated into your IT system to provide SMS services on your computer.

Why would you need that? In cases if you wish to introduce SMS messaging as part of your communication marketing mix then it is critical to be able to send out thousands of SMS messages within a short time to reach the masses.

And how can you achieve this? With the implementation of the right application that will provide SMS functionality for your IT system. This application is an SMS gateway software.

What is an SMS gateway software:
SMS gateway software is a software product that provides SMS functionality for your computer to be able to send out SMS text messages to mobile phones. (Learn Lesson 2 about how to receive SMS at PC from mobile phones).

There are several open source SMS gateway packages that are available free of charge. However, if you need a complex, stable and reliable SMS software that is able to meet all your requirements and professional technical assistance is also required then it is highly recommended to purchase a high-quality software product such as Ozeki NG SMS Gateway software.

If you need a complex and reliable system then please also consider future demands. For further developments and innovations you need a flexible software. Open source products probably cannot meet this requirement.

How to send SMS from PC to mobile phones

If you wish to send SMS messages from your computer you need to download and install an SMS gateway software.
(Download the trial version of Ozeki NG SMS Gateway to experience SMS functionality on your computer).

The SMS gateway software connects to the SMS center (SMSC) of the mobile service provider in two possible ways: either with the help of a GSM modem (GSM modem connection) or over the Internet (IP SMS connection).

  • Option 1. GSM Modem Connection
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    In case of this option a GSM modem (or GSM phone) is connected to the server computer.

    Conserning connectivity you can use a standard RS232 cable, a USB data cable, Infrared or Bluetooh link. The standard RS232 cable is the most recommended to use because it can be attached directly to your PC's COM port. The second option is a USB data cable. For these cables you will need to install a driver that will create a virtual serial port in your operating system. Bluetooth or IR connections are not recommended since these wireless links are unreliable.

    The SMS gateway software will control the GSM device (modem or phone) and SMS messages are sent through this device. In this case SMS messages are forwarded to the SMS network over the air. They are sent the same way as they are sent when you use a traditional GSM handset for SMS messaging. If you use GSM modem connectivity you need a SIM card that you can put into the GSM device (modem or phone) for sending an SMS message. In this way, the price of the SMS messages is determined by the price plan you have chosen when you purchased the GSM device. The SIM card belongs to your GSM mobile service provider.

    Find real examples on how to use a GSM modem connection with an SMS gateway on the following webpages:
    SMS messaging with a GSM device (modem or phone) attached to the PC
    RS232 Serial Cable and Industrial Modems How to configure GSM Modem Connectivity

  • Option 2. - IP SMS Connection
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    If you don't want to use or you cannot use a GSM device for some reason, you can connect directly to the short message service center (SMSC) of the GSM service provider over the Internet. This solution is called IP-SMS. In this case you need to contact your mobile service provider (e.g. T-Mobile, Vodafone, etc) and tell them that you wish to send SMS messages over the Internet directly to their SMSC. The next step is the signing of the contract with the selected service provider.

    If you signed a contract with the GSM service operator then you will be provided by a connection protocol name (SMPP, UCP, CIMD2 or HTTP) and connection details such as IP address, Port, Username, Password. These pieces of information is used for the configuration of the connection in the SMS gateway software. Once you have finished the configuration you can start to send SMS messages from your computer to mobile phones over the Internet. The price of the message is determined by your selected service provider. Many service providers offer Free SMS Plans.

    You can contact two types of mobile service providers:

    1.) Mobile network operators (T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange, O2, ...)
    2.) Independent SMS service providers (SMS Service providers)

    To get a