What’s the difference between SMS Software, SMS Appliance and SMS Server?

Today, we’ll cover on some key differences between these 3 possible terminologies of how people understand about different SMS solution.

Recently, we received an enquiry from a prospect who wanted a ”SMS software” to broadcast. In the list of software modules that we provide, we had a little challenge trying to explain to him that we have “different” solutions which cater for different needs. Customers have options to have the software on their prefered server or in a ready appliance.

In any SMS Server or SMS Appliance, it is the “Software” that enables the process. A GSM modem (the hardware) may help to transmit the SMS message, the software is the intelligent piece which helped to talk to the hardware and manage the message load and business logic.

Our definition

• SMS Software – Software that is written by developers on their respective programming languages and may come with user interface to connect with the GSM devices or mobile carriers APIs. There are different types of software in the market. The sophistication of the SMS software depends on the target market (who are the users), the intended functions and the usage pattern.
• SMS Server – A server based software which sits on a Server operating System.It is more robust than being installed as a desktop software. Simple SMS software can help to manage some contact list and send out SMS. When there is a larger load or a need to run the application 24 x 7 or even to leave the system to receive SMS at anytime to handle unsubscribe request, a server is definitely a better choice than a “simple software”. There may be freeware in the market but many times, they are not meant to run 24 x7 or have many limitations. Server-based software are intended for multi-users and 24 x 7 support.
• SMS Appliance – Similar to SMS Server, it is meant to run 24 x 7. It is a hardware with pre-installed software.  Typically if a device is sold as an appliance, the configuration and settings are fixed. Upgrading is rather limited because of the server capacity that is fixed on the appliance.

When would a user decide between the purchase of an appliance versus a server?

• Simple and Easy to start
  SMS Appliance is usually a good recommendation for a basic start for users who need a server solution with rather “low” specifications and requirement. The basic features would suffice in most cases. Upgrade is usually not required. Some clients also prefer not to purchase “annual support” plans (prefer not to pay recurring) and the investment on the appliance may be good to last for some for about 3-4 years.
• Scalability consideration
  For larger organisations with dynamic required, SMS Appliance becomes rather limited. As defined earlier, an appliance is usually sold as it is, with the specifications and are usually not “upgradable”. To upgrade is as good as purchasing a new appliance. If the user’s organisation have a tendency to expand on the usage or increase the number of users connecting to it, it is best to consider a server software that can be independent of any hardware specs. If the hardware requirement increases, the software can always be migrated over to the new server. Appliance which promised “unlimited users” access are usually limited by the hardware capacity. It may look good on marketing but the reality is for the user to judge.
• Cloud computing/Virtualisation
  This may sound new to some people. Cloud is here and many application and services are moving into cloud. SMS services which requires increasing capacity should be considered to be virtualised.

What can we offer?

We offer a full range of SMS solutions (except simple PC based software). This is why the understanding of client’s infrastruture and needs is an important process before we recommend any solutions.

1. ValueSMS – SMS appliance
2. EasiSMS – SMS Server solution that can be installed on server or even virtualised
3. RapidSMS – Hosting SMS Service

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