Ericsson Labs’ SMS Send & Receive API helps you develop SMS-enabled services. The API consists of a simple web interface for sending SMS messages to mobile phones, as well as an easy-to-use mechanism for receiving messages.

Daniel Nitsche is one of the research engineers behind the API. He says that the development of the SMS Send & Receive API started in late 2008, targeting developers with a limited budget, typically researchers, hobbyists and small businesses. The API offers these developers a very easy-to-use interface and a great possibility to experiment with this type of functionality.

What kind of applications can you create with the API?
Basically, your imagination is the limit. As I see it, an application that uses this API does not focus on SMS as such, but uses it as a way of receiving or distributing information. It could be a web service that notifies users when criteria, specified by the user, are met. For example, a service could keep track of concerts near you and send you an SMS with information about when a concert that meets your criteria is happening.

Do you see any trends in SMS?
SMS has been around for a long time and may not look that hot. However, it is a very established service and virtually all handsets support it. This means that you can reach a huge market with SMS, and the users don’t need to install anything on their handsets. Sure, you can provide more sophisticated interfaces and features with dedicated clients, but then the application users are required to install software that might not run on all devices.

Who has used it so far?
Mainly the API has been used by experimental developers who want to see what is possible with it.

What has been their feedback?
We are constantly receiving suggestions for improvements. We see that as a sign that developers are really interested in using this kind of service.

What are the plans for the future?
None right now. But we collect all the feedback we receive and save it for possible future developments.

By Benny Ritzén

Ericsson Labs’ APIs
Ericsson Labs’ applications