White PaperSMS for Software Developers

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Sophisticated Simplicity In Mobile Interaction

White PaperSMS for Software Developers

Software developers have been adding mobile elements into their applications for years, whether it be

using mobile to alert to system downtime or creating specialist mobile functionality to allow remote

access. However, the constant search for ever more innovative mobile functionality has often meant

that simpler, but more effective, solutions get ignored.

Sophisticated Simplicity In Mobile Interaction

Software developers and the mobile mix

The most obvious area where this race for innovation is displaying itself is in the area of smartphone apps and the mobile web.

For many software developers, adding a smartphone app or mobile web capability to your offering lets you appear well ahead of the curve. For example, if you are creating something like a content management system it seems a no brainer to enable smartphone users to access it via their personal mobile devices.

There’s no doubt that these rich mobile applications and the mobile web have their place – those who are lucky enough to own a smartphone no doubt value the additional functionality and convenience that they offer.

However, whilst apps and the mobile web might be the latest phenomenon in the mobile space, they also have their limitations. Rich mobile functionality is unarguably a powerful tool for software developers, but at the same time it intrinsically limits the potential marketplace for any such service.

The limitations of apps and the mobile web: ubiquity and penetration

The issue lies in the relatively small penetration of app-and internet-enabled smartphones, which is still only around 30% in developed markets such as Europe and US (NPD, 2010). This means that, even in the most advanced markets, more than two thirds of consumers still cannot access rich mobile services on their primary handset.

When you combine this with the relatively low reach of the 3G coverage that enables mobile internet and application access, it is clear that rich mobile services are effectively limited in the extent to which they can reach the broadest audiences.

Mobile alternatives

The answer to this issue lies in a more established mobile technology – SMS. SMS is effectively ubiquitous: every handset is SMS enabled and the vast majority of users understand and know how to use it. Moreover, the GSM network coverage that supports SMS is near ubiquitous on a global basis.

One of the most important benefits of SMS is its incredible flexibility. Despite being a relatively simple messaging format, the huge range of SMS services on offer show that it can be applied in a massive variety of use cases. This holds true in the software space as it does in other sectors, with SMS being capable of enabling a broad selection of functionality from any device, anywhere.

SMS and software developers

SMS can be deployed in a huge range of applications by software developers:

AlertingOne of the most established uses of SMS in the software and technology industries has been as an alerting tool. For example, every system administrator is familiar with the early-morning SMS telling them that their servers have gone down! Within a software solution the real-time nature of SMS is ideal for alerting users or administrators to urgent issues or requirements.

Inbound data As well as an outbound contact mechanism, SMS can also be used to enable inbound data into an application. For example, SMS could be used to enable users to remotely log information such as working hours or productivity into a system using simple standard message formats.

Reminders and updates In any business productivity or enterprise planning application then reminder or update functionality is a must. For example, a calendaring application for an enterprise could text users to remind them of forthcoming meetings or a sales management tool could keep remote sales teams up to date with their leads.

Content dissemination As well as the traditional 160 character text message, SMS can also act as a powerful tool for content dissemination. Using WAP-push SMS, a link can be sent to users’ phones to enable them to simply download content. For the software developer this might be as simple as enabling end users to request and download digital assets to their handsets without the need for mobile web interfaces.

Two-way interaction SMS has traditionally been a two-way tool, enabling person to person communication. This two-way interface can also be leveraged to add additional functionality to software solutions. For example, in the calendar update example given above, a user could be given the opportunity to reply to a meeting request via SMS asking to reschedule to another time.

Authentication Authentication is a vital aspect of many enterprise systems and SMS can be deployed as a strong authentication factor through what are known as ‘one time passwords’. Each time a user attempts to log into a system they are sent a unique, one-use password via SMS to their registered mobile number. They then enter this to complete their login. This ensures that only the holder of that person’s mobile phone can log into sensitive systems, increasing security above and beyond traditional passwords.

Munich +49 (89) 202 451 100 – London +44 (207) 436 0283 – Singapore +65 (6478) 3020E-Mails sales@tyntec.com www.tyntec.com

Sophisticated Simplicity In Mobile Interaction

The mobile mix

That mobile is an important part of the communications mix for the software industry is an undeniable truth. It is also true that apps and mobile web access are useful tools for the small but growing smartphone audience.

However, if the aim of a mobile service for a software developer is to provide functionality on the go for the widest possible audience, then SMS remains a real contender as the technology of choice.

About tyntec

tyntec is a mobile interaction specialist, enabling businesses to integrate mobile telecom services for a wide range of uses – from enterprise mission-critical applications to internet services. The company reduces the complexity involved in accessing the closed and complex telecoms world by providing a high quality, easy-to-integrate and global offering using universal services such as SMS, voice and numbers. Founded in 2002, and with more than 150 staff in five offices around the globe, tyntec works with 500+ businesses including mobile service providers, enterprises and internet companies.