How to become an SMS service provider

Ozeki NG SMS Gateway is a perfect platform for SMS service providers. It has a built in SMSC, that makes it possible to sell SMS services for corporate clients and it has advanced interfaces that can be used to create in-house SMS content services such as Voting, Quiz games, etc....

ip sms link to the smsc of sms service providers
Figure 1 - IP SMS link to the SMSC of SMS Service Providers

Setting up an IP SMS link

Figure 1. illustrates the most common architecture for SMS service providers. On the diagram please take a look at the links between the two SMSCs and the Ozeki NG SMS Gateway. This link is called the IP SMS service provider connection. If you wish to create a professional SMS system, the first thing you should do is to connect your Ozeki NG - SMS Gateway directly to the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) of one or more GSM Mobile Network operators (or independent SMS Service providers) using an IP SMS connection.

These connection(s) will be used to deliver the messages to the mobile users. IP SMS connections use the Internet to send large volume of messages directory to the SMSC. The connection(s) between your system and the GSM Mobile Network operators will use one of the common IP SMS protocols: CIMD2, UCP, SMPP. The protocol to use depends on the SMSC interface of the Mobile Network Operator. For example a Nokia SMSC will accept connections over the CIMD2 protocol. Ozeki NG supports all of these protocols.

Hint: To be able to setup an IP SMS link, you need to sign an agreement with the Mobile Network operator. To find the appropriate representative at the Mobile Network Operator, you should ask for the person responsible for High Volume SMS messaging.

Hint: Sometimes, the IP SMS connection between your system and the SMSC is protected by a Virtual Private Network (VPN). To setup a VPN you might need a Cisco VPN router.

Creating SMS content services

After the IP SMS link is setup your system can be used to create SMS content services and SMS applications.

sms voting and other sms content services
Figure 2 - SMS Voting, SMS games, and other SMS content services

Content services are usually applications that interact with users. In most cases these applications serve mobile users automatically. The mobile users send SMS messages to the system, the application receives these messages, processes them and optionally generates an automatic response. These applications are called data query applications. Other applications, can send alerts to mobile users about various events, for example security events, stock market events, credit card transactions. These applications are called notification applications. If you want to run several applications on your system at the same time, you can install a content server to increase performance (Figure 2.). A content server is responsible for routing the incoming and outgoing messages to/from the appropriate application(s) and for maintaining statistics and extracting nice and useful reports for the system administrator.

Hint: The content server functionality is optional.

Serving corporate clients

Ozeki NG SMS Gateway has a high performance SMSC built in. This enables you to setup SMPP user accounts and to become an SMS service provider. As an SMS service provider you can accept IP SMS connections initiated by your customers, who want to use your SMS service.

built in smsc, sms users over smpp
Figure 3 - Built in SMSC, SMS Users over SMPP

Figure 3 demonstrates, that the built in SMSC enables you to sell SMS services to your customers. Once you have this service in place your customers do not have to buy the SMS service from a GSM Mobile Network Operator, they can buy it from you. Since Mobile Network Operators often react slowly to customer requests and often the connection setup and maintenance costs are high, it can be benefitial for your customers to connect to your service instead of the IP SMS service offered by a Mobile Network Operator. Ozeki NG supports billing and accounting, message routing, customer based logging and advanced user account management to support you in providing SMS service to your corporate clients.

Hint: Corporate clients can connect through the Internet or through a leased line.

Related:

Full size system architecture in .svg format.

FAQs

What is Person-to-Person Text Messaging?

Person-to-Person Text Messaging is the most widely used application of SMS messaging. It serves as the primary reason for SMS development. Through this feature, you can send short text messages from your mobile phone to another mobile phone. Additionally, there are chat applications that allow groups of people to interactively exchange SMS messages.

What is Information Provision?

Information Provision is another widely used application of SMS messaging. Here’s how it works:

  1. Purpose: Information provision involves delivering specific information to mobile users via SMS texts. It serves as a convenient way to disseminate relevant data to a wide audience.
  2. Examples: News Updates: Users can receive breaking news, headlines, or specific news categories (e.g., sports, finance) via SMS. Weather Reports: SMS messages can provide local weather forecasts, current conditions, or severe weather alerts. Financial Information: Stock market updates, currency exchange rates, or investment tips can be sent via SMS. Service Alerts: Users receive notifications about flight delays, train schedules, or service disruptions. Paid Services: Some information services are offered as paid subscriptions (e.g., daily horoscopes, trivia, health tips).
In summary, information provision via SMS ensures that users stay informed conveniently and efficiently.

SMS messaging for Alerts and Notifications?

SMS messaging for Alerts and Notifications serves crucial purposes. SMS is an ideal channel for delivering critical information promptly. Since most people keep their mobile phones within reach, SMS ensures that important alerts and notifications reach them instantly.
Examples of SMS Alerts and Notifications:
E-mail Notifications: Whenever a new e-mail arrives in your inbox, you can receive an SMS notification.
Fax and Voice Messages: SMS can also alert you about incoming faxes or voice messages.
E-Commerce and Credit Card Transactions: SMS notifications provide real-time updates on transactions, purchases, or account activity.

Can I adjust how long a message is stored in the SMSC?

Yes, you can influence how long your SMS messages are stored in the SMSC (Short Message Service Center) before being deleted. This is done through a setting called validity period.

Understanding Validity Period:

  • Offline Recipient: When a recipient's phone is off, the SMSC holds onto your message.
  • Setting the Timer: The validity period determines how long the SMSC will wait before giving up on delivery. Once this time elapses, the message is deleted and not forwarded to the recipient when they come back online.

Using Validity Period Effectively:

Imagine sending a text about a time-sensitive event, like a TV show starting soon. Setting a validity period of one hour ensures the message doesn't reach your friend after the show is over. The carrier won't attempt delivery if the phone is off beyond that timeframe.

Who Controls Validity Period?

While some network providers offer a default validity period (often a week), you can often adjust this on your end. Here are two possibilities:

  • SMS Gateway Settings: Certain SMS gateways might allow you to specify the validity period when sending messages.
  • Mobile Phone Settings: Some phones might have an option to set the default validity period for all outgoing messages.

Finding the Control Panel:

Check the documentation for your SMS gateway or explore your mobile phone's settings to see if you can adjust the validity period for your messages.

By understanding and controlling the validity period, you can ensure your messages are delivered during the most relevant timeframe.

More information