Understanding SMS gateways

An SMS gateway is a service that allows the transmission of SMS messages to and from mobile phones from an alternative media source. For example, forwarding simple e-mail messages to multiple mobile phone recipients is an example of a web to SMS gateway.
Bulk text alerts are becoming an increasingly popular method of conducting e-commerce. By availing themselves of a database service (or building one themselves) companies can target hundreds of customers simultaneously. There are numerous online companies offering web to SMS solutions to businesses, allowing them to contact their customers directly, in a professional and non-invasive way.
Web to SMS, or direct-to-mobile gateways, are devices with wireless GSM connectivity which allow SMS texts to be both sent and received by email, either from company web pages or via installed software applications. Web to SMS gateways connect the company's own network to local mobile networks via acquired SIM cards which are installed in SMS gateways. An alternative is to use a web to SMSC (short message system centre) which will then send the messages on to multiple clients. This is useful for bulk SMS messaging, and can be set up by any SMS gateway company.
Bulk messaging isn't the only use for an SMS gateway. Companies can also target customers individually, tailoring their messages for alerts on car insurance renewal, confirmed holiday bookings or arrival of goods. Unlike an email alert, the customer has instant access to the information, and can act on it right away.
At Text Marketer we offer a full range of web to SMS solutions for businesses, which can be used in far more inventive ways than just bulk SMS alerts about the latest products - although we offer this service too.