SMSC – Different communication devices present at different geographical locations are connected by a distributed network.

For example, mobile phones can connect and communicate with each other due to a distributed network. These distributed networks were very hard to manage in the past (remember telephone exchanges which used to make cross-connection errors?).

However, as the technology evolved, it introduced us to network elements. A network element is a logical entity which helps in managing distributed devices by a unified management system. An SMSC is a network element in the mobile phone network. In simple words, SMSC can store, forward, convert and deliver SMS messages for the mobile network users.

Major features of an SMSC

As explained earlier, SMSC handles the complete gamut of SMS operations of a wireless network which includes:

a. Sending and Receiving of SMS messages
b. Storage, forwarding and delivery of text messages
c. Maintenance of time stamps of messages
d. Interfacing with other applications like MS-Excel (used for sending bulk text messages by reading data from the spreadsheet)

A reliable SMSC Service provider can act as a key differentiator for telecom service providers in the communication industry. Modern SMSCs are open source and offer IMS/LTE compatible applications. They also support a wide range of inflated applications.

Why do you need an SMSC for your Telecom Business?

Cost reduction: An SMSC provider company will have their SMSC deployed at telecom operators spread across the globe. They can provide national/international services to your telecom service providing business at a very low cost. Apart from that, SMSC helps in boosting customer satisfaction and subscriber loyalty. Hence, it can reduce overall CAPEX/OPEX.

Customization for Optimization: An SMSC supports a wide range of applications. The complete package of SMS services offered by an SMSC will help you in targeting a wide range of clients. You can customize your services according to the specific needs and help in optimization of your client’s business.

Global Reach: When it comes to reaching a larger audience which is scattered geographically, it can become really difficult to manage SMS communication for any business. Cognitive tasks like finding suitable phrases in different languages, managing different time zones and finding out the target audience should be given priority over managing SMS operations. The transactional activities of SMS marketing can be delegated to an SMSC which can help in increasing reach of any business.

Summary

SMS marketing is still one of the most prevalent channels of communication for businesses present across the globe, and SMSC has become absolutely essential for modern business organizations for quick and reliable information sharing. In such a scenario, if you are thinking of expanding your business of providing SMS services, a dependable SMSC – Short Message Service Centre, can prove to be a core competency.

The post SMSC: A Network element that handles SMS operations first appeared on Connect | Communicate.

Here is what you should consider while hiring the right SMSC service provider for your business.

Comprehensive SMSC service provider
Nothing can be better than having one provider that offers an all-in-one service package. Whether you want promotional Bulk Sms, transactional SMS, or no matter what type of messages, calling out one provider makes it easy for businesses to plan their marketing campaign effectively. This makes tracking the campaign easy while allowing quicker execution.

Demo and free trial
Know if your SMSC service provider is ready to give you a demo or free signup for a few days. This will help in checking the services that you are about to purchase. The first-hand experience of the SMS gateway platform helps you in rating the service better.
But makes sure the service provider doesn’t have any hidden cost and sign-up fees. You have to be very clear about this with the provider. Make sure you don’t get stuck with never-ending trial service.

Reliability of the provider
A reliable service provider ensures a high level of uptime having the least room for any type of error. The uptime tells how responsive the network is. Go for a service that provides consistent connectivity globally.

Scalability matters
The providers should give you a platform that is easy to scale. Also, it should have the ability to grow as the business grows. As your business expands, your SMS campaign is also likely to grow. The provider should now be able to accommodate the bulk messages that are being sent over to the customers.

Easy integration
Choose the one that seamlessly integrates with other systems having a cross-channel marketing and CRM understanding for the comprehensive success of the campaign. So, the provider should have a robust API and maximizes customer data.

Compliance
This one is pretty important, You want a service provider who will not only offer the best of services but also help you stay up-to-date with the ever-changing mobile marketing compliance rules. When you have the right SMSC service provider by your side, you are sure to avoid campaign hiccups and audits.

Customer support
A good service provider has a better customer support team. Prefer the one that provides round-the-clock support. Someone that enables you to get a faster resolution to your queries. Someone who is not only supportive but also responsive when times get tough.
The reliable service provider will not only help in mitigating issues but also provide feedback to make sure everything is moving ahead hassle-free, warranting you high ROI.

Tracking and analytics
Your CTA can be better when you understand the campaigns run or messages sent. A service provider will give you a track record of how many messages are delivered. You should always have a crystal clear picture regarding the success rate of the campaign. Only this will help you reach the right audience at the right time.

User experience
When you use the service of the service provider, you get to know how the platform actually works. You should also have a look at the number of clients they are serving, network operator connections, and the diverse range of industries that they have catered to. All this will help you a lot in taking the right decision.

Multi-language SMS
The service should support multi-language SMSs. This will not only break language barriers but also help you reach a wider audience across the globe. You can then send SMS to any region with the help of a preferred language.
User-friendliness
One overlooked consideration is ease-of-use. So, make sure before hiring an SMS service provider, you get an easy to use platform that fulfills all types of SMS messaging requirements.

Message delivery rate
SMS delivery rates vary from provider to providers. Make sure you choose the one that has a direct relation with the aggregators and has a good network. With this, you will get a guarantee that your messages will be successfully delivered to the customers with minimal delays.

Industry knowledge
Make sure you don’t forget to check how many years the service provider provides services in the industry. Knowing their total experience is important.
Also, do they have sufficient industrial knowledge? Choose the provider that is trusted and has a powerful presence in the market.
We hope the aforementioned checklist will help to find the best SMSC service provider for your business.
All the Best!

The post How to Hire The Right SMSC Service Providers For Your Business? first appeared on Connect | Communicate.