At its core, the term API stands for Application Programming Interface, which refers to a set of definitions, protocols, and tools in the form of a subroutine that developers use to create applications that communicate with each other.

However, the current use of the term API refers to industrialized software designed for consumption by a specific audience.

SMS APIs, as software products, are sets of standardized code (typically HTTP and REST) that allow developers to manage an SMS sending service by integrating it into a different piece of software or application.

More information on the Octopush SMS API here.

Automation is a set of technologies designed to reduce human intervention in programmed and repetitive tasks.

For instance, businesses use SMS automation to send personalized messages to their customers on a set schedule.

This task runs automatically, with little to no involvement beyond the initial scheduling of the SMS.

From our blog: 3 examples of automation in e-commerce

In marketing, an SMS campaign is an advertising and communication technique that involves sending a series of promotional text messages to a specific group or audience.

The goal of an SMS campaign is to convince the audience to take a specific action or to engage with the company in a certain way.

Check out our guide to running a successful SMS campaign here.

An SMS gateway is software within a telecommunications network that controls access from a mobile operator's SMS center by connecting to the internet or using a GSM modem linked to a computer via a USB cable.

An SMS gateway allows you to send SMS messages from a computer to a mobile device, and vice versa. Developers can use the source code of an SMS gateway to create unique SMS solutions for their business.

More information on the Octopush SMS gateway here.

SMS marketing is a type of marketing that allows businesses to send promotional content to their customers via text message.

Users opt in to receive promotional or commercial text messages from a business and can unsubscribe at any time.

Check out our SMS marketing guide here.

Short for "Short Message Service," SMS is a communication channel created exclusively for mobile phones. It requires a mobile carrier to function.

SMS messages consist of three parts: the sender's phone number, the recipient's number, and a text message. Its lightweight data, short length, and instant delivery make it an excellent communication tool.

SMS software can send messages from a computer to a mobile phone, enabling two-way communication just as if two phones were communicating.

More information on our SMS service here

An automatic feature offered by many SMS software programs is the ability to schedule or trigger SMS messages to remind users to complete a specific task or to notify them of an upcoming date.

Companies send periodic reminders to their customers regarding upcoming appointments, election days, campaign rallies, registration deadlines, and more.

SMS reminders typically include an option to cancel or reschedule appointments via text, helping to improve customer service.

From our blog: Send automated reminders by connecting Zapier to Octopush

SMS routing allows you to modify the flow of messages and redirect them from one connection to another.

For example, it can use the recipient's network HLR to divert, copy, or change information or the recipient's number, or even replace external SMS messages before they reach the target device.