APIs and Integrations and Plugins, oh my!

Do you want to enhance your tech capabilities with simple solutions? Are you looking for sophisticated yet straightforward integrations but don’t know where to begin?

There’s no need to fear; our simple API guide will walk you through the ins and outs of integrations. You’ll be ready to start integrating SMSGlobal’s API solutions in no time.

If you have a tech background that leaves much to be desired, don’t fret! API integrations and SMS plugins are easy to use once you know the basics. From there, the world is your oyster.

Integrations 101

Integrations facilitate interactions between two systems over a network. Through integration, disparate platforms can share information and function cohesively. For example, SMS integrations enable legacy software to send SMS messages. When an event occurs within the software, an SMS will be triggered; then, the request pushed through an SMS gateway for delivery.

Depending on the integration, installation can come with varying levels of difficulty. Off-the-shelf integrations are usually ready to merge with platforms, needing only to be downloaded from an application store. Whereas integrations that use APIs require additional development and coding to work within the existing platform.

Application Programming Interfaces, also known as APIs, allow two separate systems to interact with each other. APIs act as a messenger, providing an intermediary interface that defines actions and requests from one application to another.

Everyday examples of APIs

Comparison websites interact with APIs from a range of businesses to compare pricing, services, or products. The API protocols feed a multitude of data and information to the comparison website to be presented as options to the end-user.
Installing add-ons and plugins into an existing platform, such as adding a Google Maps snippet to a business’ contact page.
Scaling up platform usability by implementing multiple API integrations. API solutions allow users to tailor their internal processes. Such as adding SMS capabilities to an eCommerce platform or CRM to streamline communication.

How do integrations, plugins, and APIs work together?

The world of integrations and APIs can seem confusing. Usability and functionality differ depending on the integration in question. As a whole, however, their primary purpose is to enhance and extend software capabilities.

Integrations, APIs, and plugins work in their own ways to provide a rich, comprehensive, and seamless experience within business and management software. Many companies employ multiple integrations to create a customized tech-stack, unique to their requirements. By diversifying their tech-stack, companies can tailor established systems and processes. Equip your business with a range of applications that scale seamlessly to your ever-growing needs.

There’s no right or wrong when choosing between applications. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual business and their technical capabilities. Primarily, plugins are ready to use and only require basic technical knowledge. Whereas integrations and APIs are often more complex, warranting additional technical expertise and development before implementation.

Business SMS is an open and direct communication channel, preferred by many. 64% of customers think that companies should engage with them through SMS. Exceed customer expectations with real-time interactions and prompt responses.

By integrating SMS into established systems, companies can optimize efficiency and communication workflows. Empower your business with dynamic communication utilizing a robust SMS integration or API.

At SMSGlobal, we pride ourselves on being industry-leaders in digital communication. Our robust SMS APIs and integrations provide businesses reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions. For secure, prompt, and engaging messaging solutions, choose SMSGlobal.

SMSGlobal integrates with many well-known platforms, including:

Salesforce
Marketo
Adobe Experience Manager
Craft CMS
Zoho CRM
InfusionSoft
BigCommerce
Magento
WooCommerce
Oracle
YesBookit
And much more

Essential SMS API features for business

Providing a seamless customer journey is straightforward with SMS. Maintain multiple customer touchpoints by sending text message alerts for appointment reminders, order status updates, special offers, and other occasions. With powerful automation, scheduling, and SMS triggers, you can rest assured that critical messages are delivered at the perfect time.

Sophisticated SMS APIs offer features such as two-way SMS, staggered campaigns, message personalization, and more. Equip your business with powerful communication solutions, accessible in one streamlined platform.

Amplify business software with the flexibility of SMS:

Send individual and bulk SMS
SMS triggers
Automate responses
Schedule SMS and stagger campaigns
Merge Send
Segmentation and contact management
Message delivery reports

SMS APIs protocols

SMSGlobal’s library of flexible and robust SMS APIs cater to businesses of all sizes. With a suite of API protocols available, it’s never been easier to modernize and tailor your platform with enterprise text messaging.

HTTP

HyperText Transfer Protocol is a standard protocol that transfers files between separate applications. HTTP is known as the foundation of data communication. It functions as a request-response protocol, linking pages of hypertext throughout the World Wide Web.

Any API can be considered an HTTP API if it makes use of the HTTP transfer protocol. For example, SOAP can be referred to as an HTTP API if it uses HTTP for transport.

SMPP

An industry-standard protocol, Short Message Peer-to-Peer is widely used to send SMS to Network providers. The telecommunications industry utilizes SMPP as a flexible data communication interface to transfer SMS between Short Message Service Centers (SMSC) and External Short Messaging Entities (ESME).

As a level-7 TCP/IP protocol, SMPP allows fast delivery of SMS messages via the most widely supported versions, v3.3 and v3.4. SMPP supports high volumes of data exchanges that can be synchronous and asynchronous.

REST

The Representational State Transfer software architectural style allows for a higher number of data formats. Around 70% of public APIs utilize REST as it provides speedier load times, higher performance, and easier access for developers.

Using the HTTP protocol, REST APIs outline rules and constraints via hypertext for a specific action. The HTTP protocol follows these constraints to carry out requests such as GET or POST.

SOAP

While previously a favorite of API developers, Simple Object Access Protocol is still used in many major tech companies. These companies are primarily supported by legacy systems that likely only work with SOAP APIs. SOAP’s in-built features include higher security, language and platform independence, and ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) compliance.

Email-To-SMS

The Email-To-SMS API interlocks with established software and processes, and adapts to whatever email platform is in use. Email-to-SMS sends emails as SMS messages to the chosen recipient’s mobile device. The API is relatively easy to configure and use, adding SMS functionality to a common and accessible messaging platform.

APIs and integrations facilitate the enhancement and customization of business platforms. Extend system capacity and capabilities to improve business operations and customer management. By adding SMS functionality, companies can streamline the communication process and focus on critical tasks. Foster valuable business relationships by keeping customers up-to-date with simple automation and trigger responses.

Power up business performance with APIs and integrations:

Increase overall efficiency
Automate everyday processes
Enhance software functionality
Free up resources
Simplify workflows
Scale legacy systems
Boost customer satisfaction

Amp up processes across business operations with robust API solutions. From bulk enterprise SMS and scheduling to lead management, reporting, and analytics. There’s an integration to fulfill all your business needs. Take advantage of APIs and integrations and their vast possibilities.

For a detailed guide on how to use APIs, integrations, and plugins, download the User Guidelines below.

Gracyn is a Content Writer at SMSGlobal, working in the digital marketing team. Aside from cooking culinary delights and binge-listening pop culture podcasts, writing relatable, engaging, and useful content is what she excels at.