If you need to send a large volume of text messages to inform your customers and prospects online, SMS sending platforms are the ideal solution. You can leverage their features to easily grow or retain your customer base. There are several providers on the market. Octopush, like 123 SMS, offers comprehensive solutions for sending messages both in France and internationally. These specialists share several other common features, which we will outline below.

123 SMS: various methods for sending messages

123 SMS is an online text messaging provider. Like Octopush, it offers a complete service for sending messages to numbers in France and around the world via the internet, with no subscription required and no expiration date on credits. Several sending methods are available:

• From the web via your account after registration,
• By email,
• By HTTP or HTTPS request,
• Via an API integrated into your existing software, program, application, or website

It is aimed at businesses, associations, and local authorities. However, the professional communication solution remains available to individuals as well.

123 SMS: Tools and services offered

The platform provides easy-to-use, password-protected software to install on your computer for sending messages. You can send texts to landlines at no extra cost. This service is active from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Messages sent outside these hours will be delivered the following day at 9:00 AM. Octopush also complies with messaging regulations and includes "STOP" in the body of the text, allowing recipients to unsubscribe from communications if they wish.

API

If you prefer not to send messages from your interface or via email, you can install an API into your tools. 123 SMS provides a list of pre-configured scripts to interface with your servers, depending on your platform (software, application, website) and programming language:

• ASP
• PHP
• Python
• Java
• Curl
• Delphi
• File_Gets_Contents
• Sockets
• Via the Nagios application
• For e-commerce sites or online stores: Prestashop, Oscommerce

Octopush also offers an SMS API, which is easy to install in various languages. You can find a user guide on the platform's website.

A multi-user interface

Just like with Octopush, you have the option to have multiple accounts with 123 SMS after registering and creating a password. You can purchase texts on one account and then transfer all your credits to accounts affiliated with yours (such as an account for another department or a subsidiary, for example).

Simple pricing

The platform operates simply using credits, with no hidden setup fees, subscription costs, or similar charges. You can top up your account by phone, credit card, check, bank transfer, money order, and more. You alone have control over your account and billing. With Octopush, there are also no long-term commitments. You even get 5 free texts to test the platform. Our rates are tiered: depending on your needs, the more SMS credits you buy, the lower the price per unit.

123 SMS: varied features

To send a message from this platform, simply open an account, register, and add credit. You will then be able to send messages:

• 1. Individually
• 2. In bulk: personalize your texts to effectively inform multiple customers and prospects via their mobile numbers.
• 3. Scheduled: prepare and send your messages at the date and time of your choice.

You receive delivery receipts for every message sent directly to your online account and your email address. Just like Octopush, 123 SMS offers numerous features such as:

• Comprehensive contact management: upload and manage your contact files online in Excel, CSV, or OpenOffice formats.
• Number portability: the platform guarantees delivery of the text to your contact's carrier at no extra cost.
• Choice of expiration time for each of your messages.

The 123 SMS guarantee

• SMS credit packs have no expiration date.
• Like Octopush, the interface is entirely customer-focused, providing access to all the features needed to send messages.
• The platform guarantees 100% delivery to ported numbers at no extra cost to you.
• You can send text messages to any country in the world. Please note, however, that delivery receipts are not guaranteed.

Privacy, security, and regulatory compliance

You may request the deletion of your account and data at any time. Your SMS traffic is integrated directly into the messaging networks of the various carriers and remains within French territory (for messages sent within France). The platform is committed to complying with French regulations regarding SMS marketing campaigns particularly concerning replies and the right of recipients to opt out of receiving messages. Recipients can simply reply "STOP" to the sender to stop receiving further messages.

Flexibility and availability

Our team is available to assist you Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Additionally, if you are short on time, you can request that our team handle your bulk sends for you (for orders of 100 SMS or more). These experts in SMS marketing campaigns share one thing in common: they both offer a comprehensive solution for sending text messages, whether in France or abroad. Whether you need to send a single SMS to a specific client or run a bulk SMS campaign targeting potential customers, both specialists offer packs and features designed to meet your needs and expectations. Simply choose the number of messages and the services that best suit your communication goals and usage. As you can see, these offers are very similar. The Octopush and 123 SMS offers are quite comparable. Both provide packs and features to meet your requirements. The difference lies in the pricing: Octopush's rates are lower than its counterpart*.
* Rates observed on 10/29/15.