Q - We require SMS functionality for our Applications. Do you have an API or Integration Method to send SMS Messages?
A - The AmiCell SMS Server has various methods allowing for 3rd Party Software Integration.
The two most popular methods used are via Data File transfers or Email 2 SMS requests.

The Data File method is quick and easy and requires no special protocols or data structures and can be achieved on a LAN/WAN via a normal file copy or via the Internet (FTP or FTPS) from remote computers and systems to enable single or bulk SMS messages. (A data file containing your SMS data, in a pre-defined format, is uploaded or saved into a folder from your application, the AmiCell SMS Server monitors the folder and once the file upload is complete, processes the SMS requests).

The Email 2 SMS method can also be used to send Email to SMS requests to the AmiCell SMS Server. The AmiCell SMS Server has full built-in Email support functionality utilising POP3 and SMTP protocols.
(An Email message can be composed from your application and sent to the AmiCell SMS Server. Various formats of email messages can be configured including SMS data in the Email Body, in a Spreadsheet or in a CSV file as attachments for single or bulk SMS requests).

Q - Will it be possible for us to also receive replies from recipients to import into our Applications?
A - Yes, there are various integration options available to import recipient replies into your Application in real-time. The format can also be tailored to your requirements. Replies can also be diverted to single or multiple email addresses.

Q - We require assistance to integrate our systems and applications.
A - AmiCell SMS has over 25 years of experience in SMS Messaging and we will gladly assist with any technical software development  and interface programming where possible.

Q - We want to do something out of the ordinary with SMS Messaging. Will AmiCell SMS be able to adapt the AmiCell SMS products to accommodate our needs?
A - AmiCell SMS is the sole proprietary owner of all our products. If technically possible, AmiCell SMS can provide and include functionality within the products via plug-ins subject to full ownership by AmiCell SMS in such an event.

Q - We require Secure SMS Messages such as OTP's to send to our Subscribers. How secure is the SMS method?
A - The AmiCell SMS Server is hosted locally on your own IT infrastructure thus requiring no internet connection and the interception of data is not possible in the public domain. The AmiCell SMS Server sends the SMS Message directly to the Cellular Network SMS Centre and from there it is directly delivered to the recipient handset illuminating any unauthorized eavesdropping or data interception.

An OTP can not be more secure.....

Q - We are an IT Company monitoring critical computer infrastructure and IT Services and require SMS alerts in the event of failures etc. How can this be accomplished?
A - Monitoring functions can be performed by using IT Infrastructure monitoring tools or programs available commercially. These programs can be configured to monitor various protocols and the status of computers and processes running on critical computers.

Normally these programs have trigger abilities to perform an alert in the event of a system state change. Examples of such a trigger is an email sent to an administrator or the execution of a program etc.
The AmiCell SMS Server has the ability to interface with monitoring tools to send fast SMS Messages to system administrators with escalation procedures if the fault is not rectified.

If you have developed your own monitoring tools, you can easily integrate SMS sending.

Q - We use Virtual Computer technology. Will the AmiCell SMS Server work on a virtual machine?
A - Yes, as long as the GSM Modem is connected to a USB Port directly accessible by the Virtual Computer.

Q - What is the power requirements for the GSM Modem supplied with the AmiCell SMS Server?
A -  The GSM Modem supplied with your AmiCell SMS Server is USB self-powered so no external power source is required.

Q - We need 24/7 availability for our SMS Services. How is this achieved if we host the the AmiCell SMS Server on our own Infrastructure?
A - It is highly recommended to install and deploy the AmiCell SMS Server on a dedicated Windows Server Platform that is also available 24/7. The AmiCell SMS Server hardly requires any human intervention and can also be installed as a Windows NT Service to ensure 24/7 availability with built-in system recovery and error rectification whilst in an operational state.

Q - Will it be possible to SMS and Email Recipients Simultaneously?
A - Yes, the AmiCell SMS Server, the AmiCell SMS Messenger as well as the Integration Methods have built-in functionality to SMS the recipient, and then to forward the same message to the recipient email address. That way one can be sure the recipient receives important information via two communication sources.

Q - How do we send SMS Reminders to Recipients on regular intervals?
A - Both the AmiCell SMS Server, the AmiCell SMS Messenger as well as the Integration Methods have built-in SMS Message Scheduling capabilities. Scheduling can be tailored for various periods (Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Yearly with recurring options).
The Schedules can be created beforehand and submitted and when the required date and time is due, the AmiCell SMS Server and Messenger will automatically send the SMS Messages without any human intervention.

Q - Will a Recipient be able to Send an SMS to my AmiCell SMS Server without having to receive an SMS from us first?
A - The AmiCell SMS Server is a Man to Machine and visa versa LAN Node as classified by ICASA. Hence a 10 Digit dedicated number is assigned. Anyone can send an SMS Message to your AmiCell SMS Server and various options exist to identify a recipient or if the recipient is unknown.

Q - When a Recipient Sends an SMS to my AmiCell SMS Server, how will the users be alerted of an incoming message?
A - Both the AmiCell SMS Server and the AmiCell SMS Messenger have Silent or Pop-up alerts similar to email programs when an inbound SMS is received and displayed in the operating system Icon Tray. A reply can immediately be sent back to the recipient. The SMS will always be logged for historical retrieval.

You do not have to be at your computer all the time. Inbound SMS Messages can be diverted from the AmiCell SMS Server to your mobile and your email address. It can also be diverted to someone else.

Q - We have data captured in a spreadsheet relevant to specific recipients like account information. Will it be possible to SMS the data direct from a spreadsheet directly to the recipients via SMS?
A - Yes, this can be easily achieved via the AmiCell SMS Server, the AmiCell SMS Messenger and via Email 2 SMS. Create a spreadsheet in a pre-described format and select the spreadsheet from your folders. The content will be verified and once correct, SMS the data directly from the spreadsheet. With Email 2 SMS the spreadsheet can be attached to your email and the spreadsheet content will also be delivered in the same way.

Q - What is the maximum character length of an SMS Message?
A -  The standard for an SMS Message is 160 characters. However,  the AmiCell SMS Server uses a "striped" message that is delivered to the handset concatenated in two parts and has a maximum length of 300 Characters.

Q - We require functionality to personalise SMS Messages. In other words, if we send SMS messages to multiple recipients, will each recipient receive a unique message?
A - Yes, there are various options available when composing an SMS. A greeting followed by a Title, Name, Surname and various references for a recipient can be selected. 

Example : You want to send an SMS to two recipients, Joe and Mary and you want to personalise the message. You can select the recipient details you want to include in the message: 

Dear Joe Blocks, Account Nr. 1234. Please check your email for your latest statement, (Best Regards - Acme Inc.)
Dear Mary Scott, Account Nr. 4135. Please check your email for your latest statement, (Best Regards - Acme Inc.)

Q - Are there means available to access SMS functionality via a Mobile Phone App?
A - No, a Phone App is not available. However an AmiCell SMS Server User will have the ability to send SMS Commands to the AmiCell SMS Server to perform various tasks including sending multiple SMS Messages to groups of recipients and receive replies back to the handset.

Q - We have a large Address Book of Recipients. Is there any functionality to Import our Recipients without having to capture them  manually again?
A - Yes, the functionality includes importing and exporting of recipients to and from a spreadsheet.

Q - We require Multi-User SMS functionality in our Call Centre to Send and Receive SMS Messages and we do not allow internet access.
A - The AmiCell SMS Server is developed for multi-user access on a LAN/WAN. The AmiCell SMS Messenger desktop application can be installed on all the computers in the call center that requires SMS functionality. Each user will have a unique login account and a user profile can be configured for each user connecting to the AmiCell SMS Server without any internet connection.

Q - Do we require Internet Access to Send SMS Messages?
A - No. The AmiCell SMS Server is deployed on your own network(s) and is accessible via LAN/WAN connections so no external access from the internet is possible unless you specifically configure the AmiCell SMS Server to accept access from the internet or external sources.
The AmiCell SMS Server utilises a GSM Modem with an embedded SIM Card connected to the computer via a standard USB Port without internet dependency.

Q - Do we require specialised software to send and receive SMS Messages or can we just use a standard email program or application?
A - Yes, any standard email program being desktop or cloud/internet based can be used, although the functionality is not as sophisticated. Recipient replies will also be routed back to your email address.

Q - Will we have our own dedicated 10 digit Cellular Number or a shared 14 digit long number you cannot respond to?
A - The AmiCell SMS Server is supplied with a GSM Modem containing a dedicated SIM Card supplied by AmiCell SMS. The Cellular Number is a 10 Digit number that will never change. Recipients can send and receive SMS Messages from and to the number and you can add and display the Number to your contact credentials on letterheads, websites, social pages etc.

Q - How will we be able to attract potential customers with an SMS without having to directly contact them?
A - The AmiCell SMS Server has a powerful Keyword Manager function that can accomplish exactly that!
You can setup Keywords you can use on marketing campaigns with QR Code support for quick efficiency.

Example 1 - Run a Competition
Create a keyword WIN on the AmiCell SMS Server with an automatic response back to the sender.
Publish your campaign on media platforms with a QR Code and/or Text:
"SMS WIN to 083xxxyyyy or scan the QR Code to enter our monthly draw (T's & C's Apply).
(SMS charged at Standard Rates. Free SMS Messages also apply)"
Once the recipient scans the QR code or SMS WIN, the AmiCell SMS Server will respond back with a courtesy SMS confirming the entry and any other important information the sender requires.

Example 2 - Run Opinion Poles
Create keywords YES and NO on the AmiCell SMS Server with an automatic response back to the sender.
Publish your campaign on media platforms with a QR Code and/or Text:
"Do you think it will be a great idea to utilise SMS Technology for your business?
SMS YES or NO to 083xxxyyyy or scan the QR Code to let us know your opinion."
(SMS charged at Standard Rates. Free SMS Messages also apply.)
Once the recipient scans the QR code or SMS a choice, the AmiCell SMS will respond back with a courtesy SMS confirming the entry. The AmiCell SMS Server will keep constant track of the entries to monitor the progress of the campaign.

There are multiple options available with the Keyword Manager to attract potential customers.
Further options include return SMS data from a saved spreadsheet, updating a database and performing various special tasks including Keyword entries forwarded to multiple email addresses. 

Q - Once a Recipient no longer wishes to receive SMS Messages from us anymore and wants to OPT-OUT, how can this be implemented?
A - The AmiCell SMS server and Messenger have the ability to automatically place a recipient in a Ban or Opt-out List. This functionality is pre-configured on both systems and can be enabled or disabled.

Example : Once a recipient responds via an SMS to the AmiCell SMS Server with "Stop", the recipient cellular number will be automatically added in the Opt-out list and no further SMS Messages will be possible to the recipient unless manually removed from the Opt-out list.

Q - I have a customer base and want to send regular product updates and special offers via SMS. Will an SMS be flagged as SPAM in this event?
A - Your customer or the recipient must have an official OPT-IN agreement to receive SMS marketing information from you. In the event of any complaints from a recipient to the communication authorities, you will be required to present proof of such an OPT-IN agreement. In the event of non-compliance, serious repercussions can result in the form of hefty fines etc.
It is illegal to send unsolicited SMS Messages to recipients!