New releases of the Now SMS/MMS Gateway and NowSMS Lite are now available (Version 2014.05.30). The focus of this release is enhancements for SMS and MMS gateway functionality, with a particular focus on GSM modem configurations, and automated application processing of both SMS and MMS messages.

 

Some of the highlights of this release include:

• Support for using most standard Android phones as a modem to send and receive SMS and MMS messages, which is a great option for taking advantage of high speed LTE networks, and offers significant performance improvements for configurations for multiple modems.  Did we mention that it is also much easier to install and setup Android phones as modems? 
• Reliability enhancements for conventional GSM modem configurations to improve performance for USB connected modems.
• Bidirectional E-Mail to SMS/MMS Gateway Enhancements - E-Mail users can send an SMS or MMS message by sending an e-mail message to the NowSMS Gateway. NowSMS converts the message to SMS or MMS format to deliver the message to a mobile phone. If the mobile phone subscriber replies back with an SMS or MMS, NowSMS can deliver the reply back via e-mail to the original e-mail sender.
• The 2-Way command feature in NowSMS can now be used to build automated applications for both SMS and MMS applications.  When an SMS or MMS message is received, NowSMS will evaluate the content of the message, and can either execute a program, or connect to an HTTP URL, based upon the content of the message. The program or script can perform actions based upon the message content, and optionally return a reply. For this new NowSMS version, we have made it easier for 2-Way commands to process both SMS and MMS messages.

If you're looking to connect office workers on e-mail with mobile workers or customers, options have been added to simplify setup.  A single gateway mailbox provides a simple alternative to setting up a separate e-mail domain.  And SMS or MMS replies can be automatically routed back to the original e-mail sender.

 

E-Mail to SMS and MMS can also make use of distribution lists, making it easier to get your content to interested subscribers.

 

We have prepared step-by-step Quick Start Guides to help you get started and explain the e-mail configuration options.

 

 

No more messing with finicky USB modem drivers and meddlesome modem manufacturer software!

 

MMS Settings can be automatically determined for most configurations.

 

NowSMS setup has been simplified for defining integrated SMS and MMS related settings in a single modem setup page.

 

We've provided quick start guides to explain the process of using an Android phone as a modem with NowSMS or NowSMS Lite:

 

Now SMS/MMS Android Modem - Quick Start Guide

NowSMS Lite Android Modem - Quick Start Guide

 

We've kept what works for 2-way commands, but simplified the terminology, and made it easier to get started.  Simple keyword setup allows static text or image content to be sent in reply to a received message.

 

Keyword actions can also add or remove a subscriber from a distribution list, or forward a received message to an e-mail address.

 

Most importantly, the 2-Way command feature in NowSMS can now be used to build automated applications for both SMS and MMS applications.

 

When an SMS or MMS message is received, NowSMS will evaluate the content of the message, and can either execute a program, or connect to an HTTP URL, based upon the content of the message. The program or script can perform actions based upon the message content, and optionally return a reply.

 

Learn More

Supporting Android phones as modems is significant for several reasons:

 

LTE Support - LTE based Android devices can provide higher speed support for MMS sending and receiving.

 

Network Compatibility - Some mobile operators (and modem device manufacturers) assume that modems are used for internet access only and disable SMS and/or MMS support for modems.  This is not an issue for Android phones.

 

CDMA Support - For years, US based customers have asked us about modems that can support Verizon and Sprint.  Android phone support allows us to support those network operators using both CDMA and high speed LTE. 

 

Broad Device Availability - For customers interested in trying NowSMS, it is far easier to locate or acquire an Android device than a conventional modem.

 

MMS Performance - With conventional GSM modems, MMS performance is limited by the mode switching required to switch between data and SMS channels.  There are no mode switching delays mixing SMS and MMS traffic on Android devices.

 

Multiple Modems - USB connectivity (and driver quality or lack thereof) is a major limitation for systems with multiple conventional GSM modems.  For Android phones, the NowSMS server connects to the Android phones over WiFi, providing far greater performance for NowSMS to simultaneously control multiple modems.  Modems can even be located in different physical locations to maximize signal strength. (The NowSMS server communicates over WiFi to a new app running on the Android phone.)

Ready to try it? 

 

We've provided quick start guides to explain the process of using an Android phone as a modem with NowSMS or NowSMS Lite:

 

Now SMS/MMS Android Modem - Quick Start Guide

NowSMS Lite Android Modem - Quick Start Guide  

 

More detailed information on changes and enhancements in this release can be found in our update log. 

 

NowSMS is a powerful and flexible tool with many advanced configuration options to meet specific customer requirements.

 

For more information and and technical support, please visit our support forums on the NowSMS web site.

Keith Norris (keith@nowsms.com)

Elaine Jackson (elaine@nowsms.com)

NowSMS Sales Team

Now Wireless Ltd.
+44 1883 621100

http://www.nowsms.com

Technical Forums at NowSMS.com