SMS Glossary

This feature offered by SMS service providers like MessageWhiz enables businesses to conduct two-way conversations with their customers, rather than simply use SMS as a broadcast text tool.

A2P SMS messaging lets eCommerce brands send high-impact texts straight from their platform to the customer. Ecommerce operational SMS A2P messages could provide updates on order status or shipping, while marketing messages could be used to share sales information, recover abandoned carts, or build brand loyalty.

Messages sent to help with logistics. For example, a delivery company might use SMS to notify customers that a package is being delivered, or let them know that the package was delivered to if the recipient isn’t home. Learn more on our Logistics page.

These are messages sent from one business to another, often in a marketing context. For example, a business may use SMS to conduct a nurture campaign, and use SMS to share videos or other marketing collateral. Learn more on our B2B SMS Marketing page.

This refers to the amount and immediacy of information that can be transmitted. In the world of messaging, that richer conversations include video chat, voice messages, picture sharing, activated buttons, and ecommerce ordering tools.

APIs are open portals within software that can connect to a different piece of software. In the world of messaging, a message platform with open APIs enables companies to build portals within their own networks or communication system, and send out messages without using the dashboard tool. MessageWhiz’s platform has open APIs, which are used by many of our customers.

Messages sent out by ecommerce stores. These messages can be operational or marketing oriented. Ecommerce operational SMS messages could provide updates on order status or shipping, while marketing messages could be used to share sales information, recover abandoned carts, or build brand loyalty. Learn more on our eCommerce and retail page.

Google Voice is a voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephone platform that enables users to send and receive messages. Google Voice has an API to support Android devices.

Communication efforts used by hotels over SMS. These uses include operational tasks like room confirmations to marketing tasks, such as offering airport limo pickups, spa treatment offers, or room service promotions. Learn more on our SMS Hotel page

The iOS iMessage API enables businesses to connect to their customer through Apple’s iMessage platform with special tools designed for business users.

enables companies and organizations to send text messages to users. Users can send individual messages and bulk messages. A robust platform like MessageWhiz enables users to add personalization, create message automation campaigns, segment user lists, integrate with a CRM, verify phone numbers, and function as an advanced marketing tool.

Messages sent out over different channels, where the customer service agent has a full view of all conversations that took place. For example, a consumer might begin a conversation through a chatbot on a website, and then move the conversation at a different time to WhatsApp or SMS. The agent working with the customer would have a full view of all conversations that took place previously, so that the customer does not need to summarize previous conversations.

PHP is an open-source scripting language that can be used to send SMS messages.

Messages sent out using encryption and blockchain technology to protect users from message hijacking, Smishing, and other fraudulent uses of SMS. For more see our Secure SMS for Enterprises page.

An SMS aggregator connects phone networks so that SMS messages can be sent from one network to another. It takes place behind the scenes, and is normally invisible to end users.

This feature offered by SMS service providers like MessageWhiz enables businesses to conduct two-way conversations with their customers, rather than simply use SMS as a broadcast text tool.

Messages sent out regarding transportation. These can be automated messages sent out from a machine, such as a train alerting subscribers that it will be in the station five minutes late, or by drivers trying to coordinate logistics. Learn more on our Logistics page.

The WhatsApp API enables businesses to connect to their customer through WhatsApp with special tools designed for business users.

These are templates that WhatsApp Business users can use to save time when sending out frequently repeated messages, such as asking a customer if they were satisfied with their  experience.