An SMS routing table is a database of paths that are activated once an SMS is sent.

The system verifies that the message and the route selected during sending match.

If the path is incorrect, the SMS routing table will attempt to cycle through all available paths until it finds the matching route to deliver the incoming SMS.

SMS software, also known as SMS marketing software or an SMS service provider, is a service platform that allows businesses to design, deploy, and manage SMS marketing or transactional SMS campaigns for all or part of their customer database.

Many SMS software platforms offer a wide variety of features, such as scheduled SMS, sender ID customization, and customizable tags, among others.

Generally, SMS software is available as a cloud service or an API.

On our blog: How to choose the right SMS software for your business

Regarding our SMS service, transactional SMS is one of two types of messages you can send (the other being commercial SMS).

A transactional SMS is an automated message that is not intended to sell anything. It simply provides the recipient with relevant information regarding the service they have chosen via the SMS gateway.

A transactional SMS can serve an informative purpose, such as a reminder, confirmation, alert, update, or news; or it can boost brand engagement with congratulations, motivational phrases, etc.

For more information: Several ways to use transactional SMS.

Also known as two-factor authentication or two-step verification, this process adds a second layer of security to website login credentials.

After entering their standard login, the user receives a random, temporary code via SMS. The message itself is part of the verification procedure, as the user must enter the code to access their account.

Companies automate the two-factor authentication process by integrating an SMS API into their systems.

More about 2FA in our documentation.

Two-way SMS is a service that allows users to send and receive text messages from a dedicated number via a web messaging platform, using either comprehensive solutions or APIs. Two-way exchange is made possible through short codes or virtual phone numbers.

The idea behind two-way SMS is to enable businesses to interact with their customers by receiving feedback, increasing engagement, or improving customer service.

From our blog: Improve your customer interactions with two-way SMS.

Unicode is short for "universal character encoding." It applies to textual data from any language, modern or ancient, for software and computer protocols.

Standardizing encoding allows for the use of any letter, pictogram, punctuation mark, and technical symbol within a single set, ensuring that textual information can be decoded by all systems without the risk of data corruption or errors.

A virtual number, or virtual phone number, is a dedicated number that is not tied to a specific landline or mobile phone. It does, however, include a country code, just like any traditional phone number.

Virtual numbers are a service that can be purchased as an application or software at a relatively low cost. They can be used from a laptop, desktop computer, phone, and more.

Owners of a virtual number can forward calls, record voicemails, use an answering machine, and identify the caller.

More information on virtual numbers here.

Voice SMS (or VMS) is an SMS solution that uses either a pre-recorded audio message or a voice synthesizer to convert SMS text into a voice call. Its purpose is to reach all or part of the users in a customer database.

Sending voice SMS costs only a fraction of the price of a standard call, which is why companies use them to automate processes such as quick communications, reminders, or urgent delivery alerts.

Check out the features of Octopush's voice SMS service here.