Setting up a SMS Server (txt msgs)

[madman045]

Not sure where to post this so here goes.

Im currently trying to find out how to setup an SMS Server to be able to send text messages from the desktop to any mobile phone.

I need both server & client software, but also how to go about finding an SMS messaging centre or operator to use with the server software & its costs.

One bit of software ive found is Zetafax as they do an SMS addon, but I cant seem to find anything from a service provider side of things.

Its going to be a max of 5 desktop users.

Any help would be much apprieciated.

Thanks

[ikonia]

this is something I've thought about doing a few times, for some event notification.

I've only found vodafone interesting in being a message center however that requires a large volume (pricey) business account.

If anyone does get more info on this I too would be very interested.

[Moby-Dick]

have a look at GFI faxmaker.

I used to use a service from www.moretext.com for SMS notification to multiple phones for Problem Management.

[madman045]

Cheers for the suggestions chaps, seems they are going to go with using Zetafax, just need to find a service provider or message centre to do it, unless I can do it just using a GSM modem? Im new to this area

[Moby-Dick]

I'm sure i've seen a dialup modem dial the message centre directly
but it only allows 3 messages at a time.

http://www.gcrsoft.com/ does such an application ( they run moretext , but they do have a version of the local application )

[TiG]

Most of the mobile networks have got small usage accounts. You just need to speak to the right deparment (the hard part)

You can generally right a simple TAPI client to dial out a modem and send message content direct, its damn simple and done in a few minutes if you know any reasonably basic language, VB, Java, C++ or any .net

TiG

[madman045]

Thanks for all your suggestions, the customer has decided to go for the latest version of Zetafax mainly as it comes with a GSM modem.

[Twigman]

4 basic ways to go:

HTTP/other internet protocol.
Like lycos etc use...they are ok...not that great.
Setup = Free usually
Costs = High

GSM Modem.
plus simcard uses mobile network same way your phone does. Probably the best way really.
Setup = need to buy GSM modem (about £200 last time i looked)
Costs = Sim contract probably so depends what you go for...

Dial up.
Dial up message server and send messages...its ok, but not great...good for a few but no really good for volume due to limits.
Setup = Probably just software as most people have 56k modem or whatever
Costs = Phone bill...not that expensive depending who and where the server is...I used to use on in Dutchland, but in the end it was the same price and doing it through my phone so I dont really care.

Dedicated line to operator
If you have far too much money...
Costs = Loads...lol

EDIT: now I read the last post I realise this was pointless...ah well I'll leave it for other people if they are interested.

[madman045]

Thanks Twigman, not a pointless post, gives me options for the future as its not an area ive played with before, too use to blackberry setups....

[Twigman]

Ah...not really looked at them too much. Apperently the users like them, but support is a bit of a pain really. Also could get expensive espcially with roaming for business trips...I know the ones I saw had an unlimited data transfer anywhere in the world...they were expensive though.