SMS for Lync
Geomant’s SMS for Lync helps organisations improve internal and external communications by adding short message service (SMS) text messaging as a communications channel to Microsoft Lync Server 2010. SMS for Lync enables SMS text messages to be sent to one or more contacts directly from the Lync client – ideal when contacts are off-line. Developed for organisations with mobile workforces requiring interactive and broadcast messaging capability.
Solution Overview and Benefits
SMS text messaging is becoming the de-facto communication tool for many organisations as their workforce and stakeholders become even more mobile. Geomant’s SMS for Lync unifies text messaging within the Lync communications channels to help deliver a consistent user experience. Sending a text message not only becomes simpler and quicker but a record of that message is also added to the sender’s conversation history for future reference. Messages can be sent with a sender ID (sender’s mobile number) so that replies can be made to the sender’s mobile phone or can be sent with an organisation ID (organisation name or service) by way of a ‘broadcast message’. Geomant’s SMS solution works with customers’ own on-premises SMS gateways or through an interface to an on-line SMS provider.
Components
Server application: this application interfaces with the client application and initiates outbound SMS text messages. The application collocates with the Lync infrastructure and does not require a dedicated server.
Client application: this is a small application that allows an SMS text messaging window to be initiated from the contact list or during a conversation.
SMS API: Integrates with most commercial on-premise SMS gateways.
On-line SMS Gateways: For customers without an existing SMS gateway, Geomant’s solution will integrate with service providers offering on-line ‘pay as you go’ outbound SMS messaging. the following service providers are