SMS text messaging now has an established history of keeping individual mobile phone users up to date with ongoing developments, while the newer breed of MMS communications extend that message functionality. Both of these systems in conjunction with cloud telecommunications technology also enable corporate users to enjoy a number of benefits, through the medium of business texting. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how and why this happens.
SMS stands for Short Message Service, a protocol for sending short messages of up to 160 characters (or 224 characters if you use a 5-bit mode) to mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or PDAs. Commonly known as “text messaging,” SMS is similar to the historical telephony practice of paging – but SMS messages aren’t an “on the spot” medium that requires the receiving device to be active or within range of the initial signal.
In practice, SMS text messages will be held for a set number of days, until the recipient’s phone becomes active and strays within range of an SMS server. Messages also aren’t totally limited to 160 characters, as longer communications will be strung together in 160-character segments until the full message is received.
SMS messages can originate from a number of sources, including digital phones, web-based applications, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems, instant messaging apps, and some Unified Communications (UC) software. You can also send text messages from a computer via an SMS gateway – a website that’s linked to a particular telecommunications cell. These gateways can provide international access for users with roaming capability.
Using the Multimedia Messaging Service or MMS, you can send wireless messages including text, pictures, audio, and video to any device capable of receiving them. MMS was developed using the same technology as SMS, and both protocols only require a wireless plan from a cellular network carrier. Unlike SMS, an MMS message can be of any length, though their maximum size depends on the carrier, and the device receiving the message. But all you need to start communicating over SMS or MMS is another person’s phone number.
Simply enough, business texting is the practice of sending and receiving SMS or MMS text messages through your business phone system and business phone number, rather than your personal mobile number. This can cover multiple business scenarios and use cases: notifying sales personnel about inquiries and contacts, alerting first responders about an emergency, giving drivers the address of their next pickup, and so on.
Both internal communications and outreach qualify for business texting, so SMS or MMS channels may be used for example to provide updates and information to consumers, to elicit feedback, or to confirm appointments.
According to research conducted by Market Strategies International, 66% of consumers either prefer mobile messaging, or consider it their second choice for communications when compared to phone calls and email. 70% prefer to use mobile messaging for troubleshooting purposes, and nearly two-thirds like to use it for purchases or reservations.
In an environment where messaging is such a popular choice, business texting gives organizations a communications channel that their customers prefer. For this reason, increasing numbers of enterprises are using SMS text or MMS as an option for delivering technical support and customer service. Business MMS picture messages are also a valuable tool for communicating visually with consumers for instructional and promotional purposes, and for interacting with supply chain partners.
Within the enterprise, business texting channels can serve for distributing information and updates to the workforce – either in tandem with email, or by themselves. SMS or MMS messages also enable business users to make vital contacts when they can’t speak on the phone.
Modern cloud communications platforms include business texting and messaging facilities as standard, with the ability to manage the message system from a single business texting dashboard. Voice over IP also provides support for “Over The Top” (OTT) messaging from popular internet applications like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Facebook Messenger.
Many VoIP providers offer business texting facilities for free, as part of their business or Unified Communications solutions.
net2phone provides an easy to use, feature-filled, all-inclusive communications solution offering, allowing businesses to use their business phone system and business phone number across multiple devices and channels. Use the service from a state of art desk phone, mobile phone app, or web based calling softphone to call AND text your customers and business contacts! Plus, net2phone includes unlimited calling to over 30 countries worldwide and unmatched value and services – all within a single price point.
To discover more about the net2phone advantage and business texting with SMS and MMS, speak to a net2phone expert.