Glossary

Short for Application Programming Interface, API is a software intermediary that allows applications, databases, libraries and systems to interact and communicate with one another. In other words, it works as a messenger or channel, delivering requests from one form to the other.

• Open APIs, or Public APIs, are publicly available without restriction
• Partner APIs refer to APIs in which specific rights or licenses are necessary to access them and are not available to the public
• Internal APIs, or Private APIs, can only be accessed by internal systems. Companies often use Internal APIs among in-house teams to improve products and services from their backend.
• Composite APIs are essentially a combination of different data and service APIs. Used to speed up execution processes and improve performance, Composite APIs refer to a sequence of tasks that run synchronously as a result of the execution and not at the request of a task.

A2P messaging is high traffic SMS sent primarily by a business, organisation, or entity through an application to communicate with end-users, usually in one-way communication.

Bulk SMS refers to sending any substantial quantity of text messages at one time to multiple different recipients. SMSGlobal provides the option of sending many SMS, MMS or Email to be sent at one time.

Short for Communications Platform as a Service, a CPaaS is a cloud-based platform that provides developers to scale communication services to applications that suit their function. That means there are API integration options, as well as access to the original gateway.

The CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices, dated as of July 2019, is the outline the use of enterprise SMS in the USA, particularly concerning to Short Code and Long Code.

A country code or international prefix is a country-specific number that begins a full mobile number. These are especially important when sending messages internationally. To convert a number to international format, remove any '0' in front of the number and add the country code from the list of country prefix numbers/dialling codes. For Australian numbers, this country code is 61, so 0400 111 222 becomes 61400 111 222.

A Comma-Separated Value file (CSV file) is a specially formatted file which allows different software to uniformly import and export information. A CSV file will generally contain rows for each new piece of information, and several values separated by commas in each row. These files can be used to upload contacts or send an SMS Merge.

When creating a contact list in MXT, the custom field refers to compulsory information fields that need to be filled out before progressing. These fields include Family Name, Given Name, Display Name, Mobile Number, and Email Address.

A custom word is a word or piece of text that can be set as a Sender ID. Custom words can be 11 characters long and could be a personal or business name that is easily identifiable for recipients.

A dedicated number is a virtual phone number that belongs to only one account and is used for SMS or MMS messaging. For people to be able to contact the account directly without having to message them first, a dedicated number is essential.

All MXT accounts have a default country to assist in the conversion of mobile number into an international format and to display account balances in the appropriate currency.

A delivery receipt is a piece of information that is provided by carriers once an SMS/MMS has been received at the destination handset. Once delivery is successful, carriers notify SMSGlobal with the delivery receipt, which will then update the message status to "Delivered".

A domain refers to any group of users, devices, computers, or database servers that share different types of data via an organization’s network. It is used to manage all user functions; including usernames, passwords, system authentication and access. Domain’s also govern the ability for devices to communicate with other groups of devices, both within and external to the organization.

Simply put, if you think of a domain like a company building, the URL is the address of that building, the domain name is the name (i.e. SMSGlobal), and the IP address would be the car that you use to get to the destination.

• Domain name: Used to identify IP addresses, domain names were specifically invented so that we didn’t have to remember the slew of numbers that make up an IP address. Instead, you can simply type a domain name into a browser, it will link to the IP address and you’ll be directed to the site.

The Email-To-SMS gateway is an API that bolts on to existing software and processes, customised to whichever email platform or CRM being using. Essentially, the system is programmed to send an email message as an SMS to the intended recipient's mobile handset.

The General Data Protection Regulation is a regulation specific to the EU in regard to data protection and privacy, including all individual citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). It also applies to the transfer of personal data outside the EU and EEA.

A contact group that is created in an MXT account and shared between all its sub-accounts.

Global Opt-out refers to numbers that request to opt-out will not be re-uploaded if a new contact file containing that specific number is uploaded, therefore permanently excluding the number from all future campaigns.

A message template that is created in an MXT account and shared between all its sub-accounts. This can be used to increase uniformity and convenience when sending campaigns.

HyperText Transfer Protocol is a standard protocol used to transfer files by linking pages of hypertext throughout the World Wide Web. HTTP API is any API that makes use of HTTP as their transfer protocol. For example, SOAP is an HTTP API as long as it uses HTTP for transport.

A number that cannot be recognised and therefore messages cannot be delivered. A common reason for this to occur is that the number was entered incorrectly or not in international format.

An Internet Protocol (IP) Address is a unique sequence of numbers, separated by full stops. These numbers identify every device using an internet connection. An IP address acts like a phone number, allowing devices to send and receive data from other devices. There are public and private IP addresses, which can either be static or dynamic.

• Public IP address: a public IP address is the primary IP address connected to a home or business network. This IP address connects you to the internet and is globally unique to your router.
• Private IP address: private IP addresses are used to communicate within the same network, such as an intranet. Several devices within a home or organization will have private IP addresses, which are then connected to the router’s public IP address for internet access. A private IP address will remain hidden when connected to the internet, while the router’s public IP address is visible.
• Static IP address: a static IP address (or fixed IP) is a permanent number, which is assigned manually to a computer or router. Static IP addresses do not change automatically, making it useful for other devices to know exactly how to contact the device using one. Static IP addresses are typically used by servers and other important business equipment.
• Dynamic IP address: most IP addresses assigned by an internet service provider will be dynamic. It is more cost effective for a provider to allocate dynamic IP addresses to customers. Dynamic addresses are subject to change automatically over time, and are assigned as needed by Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers.
• White-listed IP address: White-listed IP addresses are implemented as a security feature that have been given exclusive access to a firewall. Often used to limit control to only trusted users and devices, white-listed IP address filters to other IP addresses that have been explicitly approved to access a domain.

Integration can refer to the merging and optimization between two different software applications or systems. Many businesses implement some form of software or application integration, to replace or enhance a business process.

For example, businesses can integrate an application such as a SMS API into its existing CRM or eCommerce platform. This integration modernizes and adds to their communication abilities, within an established system and business process.

The integration of various software products is used to build a business’s personalized tech-stack. A tech-stack becomes the underlying elements of any web or mobile application, which could include CRMs, digital analytics, or social media tools. These integrating applications interlock, to increase response time, results, and efficiency.

Automated SMS responses can be triggered when the sender replies using specific words (keywords). For example, "Your hair cut and style is booked for 2pm on Saturday, June 5. Reply with 'Yes' to confirm or call the salon to reschedule." If the recipient replies with 'Yes', an automated SMS response is sent, "Thank you for confirming! We look forward to seeing you at the salon for your appointment."

A long code is a virtual mobile number that looks like a standard mobile service number of the country it is hosted from. It's used the same way a virtual number is and is the length of a standard mobile number (usually ten-digits).

In relation to sending a message, the message recipient is the customer’s intended receiver of that message.

Short for Multimedia Messaging Service, MMS is the standard protocol for sending messages containing image, audio or video files. An MMS can currently hold 300kB of data and is directly sent via a combination of WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) and SMS technologies. 300kB is enough to compile a message including one or more multimedia files, including the following:

• Short video/audio files
• Images or gif animations
• Over 5000 characters worth of text
• A combination of text and other compatible files

SMS are limited to 160 characters determined by industry standards. Many handsets can receive multipart messages, which are made up of more than one SMS as a consequence of character restrictions. The message is split when sent and then stitched back together when received by the handset. A small piece of data is needed to join messages, so each split section of the multipart message may contain up to 153 characters each.

Short for One-Time Password, OTP is a code sent to a separate communication source, like SMS, to authenticate who is completing an action, such as logging in to an account or confirming an online purchase. OTPs are used as a part of TFA/2SV (Two Factor Authentication/2 Step Verification).

The end-user provides consent to receiving messages from the Customer.

The end-user revokes consent to receiving messages from the Customer, usually by replying to an SMS with 'Stop'. Opt-outs are a critical part of complying with relevant anti-spam legislation, such as the Australian Spam Act 2003 or Telephone Consumer Protection Act in the USA.

OMS is a feature that allows users to send and receive SMS from Microsoft Outlook through a specialised interface. Depending on which version of MS Outlook is being used, an API may be required to implement OMS.

OTT refers to third-party instant messaging services and online chat as an alternative to SMS messaging, for example, WhatsApp.

P2P Messaging refers to an individual person who subscribes to specific wireless messaging services or messaging applications in two-way communication with another individual.

A program is an SMS-based campaign that an end-user Opts In to receive. These SMS programs are usually mobile marketing campaigns and can incorporate both one-way or two-way communication.

Representational State Transfer is a recently developed software architecture style that allows for a higher number of data formats. 70% of public APIs follow REST because it offers speedier load times and greater performance, while also making it more accessible for developers.

REST APIs currently use the HTTP protocol as infrastructure, servers and client libraries are widely available for HTTP.

Short for Software Development Kit, SDKs are a collection of tools that allows developers to build their own software with robust SMS integration.

The name or number that a message appears to come from, and is also referred to as the 'Send From' Address. Essentially it is a custom Sender ID applied to outgoing messages from a specific account. The Sender ID can include 16 numbers or 11 letters.

• Alphanumeric Sender ID refers to setting a custom word or name as the Sender ID

SMSGlobal has some virtual numbers that it makes available to customers to enable free two-way SMS. This pool of numbers allows the sender to receive replies to outgoing messages even when they do not have a dedicated number.

Please note, when sending from our shared numbers you can only receive replies back to that number within 48 hours.

Shorter than the standard mobile number, short codes consist of three to eight digits and usually used for A2P messaging. These virtual numbers can be used to receive inbound SMS. Messages to these numbers are only possible from within the same country they are registered (that is, they will only work for domestic SMS traffic).

Short code has varying restrictions in different countries. For example, in the USA, short codes are limited to five to six digits; in the UAE, they are four digits long; in Australia, they are six to eight digits long; and, in New Zealand, they are three to four digits long.

• Dedicated Short Code means a private Short Code allocated exclusively to one account, whether it be used by a business, organisation or entity.

MXT's Simple Send allows users to send SMS messages straight to specific mobile numbers, contacts and contact groups. This feature allows users to insert message templates but does not include Merge Field to customise messages.

Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) is used in building SMS API integrations and is considered the industry-standard protocol for sending SMS to Network providers. Overall, the telecommunications industry uses SMPP for exchanging SMS between Short Message Service Centers (SMSC) and External Short Messaging Entities (ESME).

SMPP is a level-7 TCP/IP protocol, which allows fast delivery of SMS messages using the most common versions, v3.3 and v3.4, with the possibility of synchronous and asynchronous data exchange.

This feature allows many customised messages to be created automatically and sent by SMS, based on a list of information. For example, SMS can be customised to include a recipient's name, phone number, email, or any other specified information.

• Merge Field refers to the section of the message where the personalised information is inserted.
• Merge Send refers to mass sending personalised messages to individual contacts and established contact groups at one time.

This refers to an amount, represented in units of an accepted currency by SMSGlobal, that may be used as consideration for services provided.

Simple Object Access Protocol was the favourite protocol for API developers until recently. It is still used in many major tech companies supporting legacy systems that may be exclusively compatible with SOAP APIs. As its own protocol, SOAP has in-built features that include higher levels of security and ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) compliance.

UM refers to the sending of the same, or substantially similar, unsolicited SMS messages, to more than one recipient.

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates are small data files that allow for a secure connection between a company’s server and customer’s web browser. They are used to secure data transfers, card transactions, logins, and other personal information. Evidence of SSL Certificates on a web browser are usually indicated by a padlock icon, and URLs that begin with https:// (note the added ‘s’).

A standard local phone number that can send and receive SMS, usually containing ten digits.

Upon being requested to do so by the customer, SMSGlobal may create one or more accounts (each a sub or child account) that are linked to the customer’s primary (or parent) account.

The person nominated by the primary account to be the principal point of contact on the sub account.

A mobile network operator or an aggregator whose services or infrastructure receives messages submitted by the customer via SMSGlobal Systems and sends to the relevant message recipient.

TCPA is the governing telecommunications act within the USA that protects consumers from the like of Spam, Junk-Messages or Unsolicited Messages (UM), etc.

MXT allows users to store frequently used message content as Message Templates. This increases uniformity when regularly sending messages.

TDLC is a dedicated commercial long code used for A2P messaging.

TFLC is a toll-free phone number that supports both voice and text communication. It is typically used for A2P messaging.

Also known as Two-Step Verification (2SV), TFA adds an extra layer of security when verifying identity and confirming activity online, on top of username and password login details. For example, when confirming an online payment, an SMS OTP is sent to your phone as a second form of authentication and then entered to proceed. The code only lasts a short time and if an incorrect code is entered, this can trigger a fraud alert.

Recipients can reply to a message, and the response will be delivered to the sender's SMSGlobal account. Generally, for two-way messaging the Sender ID will either be the Dedicated Number or one of SMSGlobal's shared pool numbers.

A standardised way of transmitting characters outside of letters and digits, and includes symbols and scripts for many languages. Sending Unicode characters consumes more data than sending standard characters, therefore a single SMS with Unicode includes less than 160 characters.

Mobile numbers hosted online and used for business SMS, MMS, two-way texting and much more. It has several advantages, including unifying SMS messaging within a business, fixed numbers that can be advertised, voice and text-enabled and used alongside other online applications.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to create secure connections to other networks using the internet. VPN is primarily used for businesses; connecting remote users to a company’s private, internal network. Using encryption, VPN ensures that only authorized users can access a specific network.

Web tools include:

• the MXT portal (or any related platform);
• SMSGlobal's application programming interfaces; and
• any other tools specifically made available to the customer by SMSGlobal to enable the customer to receive the benefit of the services provided