SMS was developed as part of the GSM standardisation work and entered commercial use in the early 1990s. The format was simple: short text messages delivered between mobile networks and handsets.
A standardised format
Shared telecommunications standards enabled operators and devices to handle messages across networks. The limitations of the format and character sets still influence how a message is divided into segments and priced.
From individuals to organisations
Over time, SMS was used for more than conversations between individuals. Confirmations, reminders, operational updates, marketing and code-based services became connected to business systems.
Why the channel remains useful
SMS does not require the recipient to install a particular application or sign in to a service. That is precisely why it should be used selectively, with a clear sender, relevant purpose and respect for the recipient’s choices.
Gateways connected SMS to software
As organisations began sending from their own systems, SMS gateways and APIs became the connection between applications and mobile networks. A booking, order or another event could then trigger a message without manual delivery. This created new possibilities as well as a need for clear failure handling and ownership.
A mature channel requires mature use
The familiarity and availability of SMS do not mean every message belongs there. Modern use means choosing the channel when brevity and timing provide value, integrating it cleanly into the workflow and limiting content to what the recipient actually needs.
A relevant next step
Choose the right working method
Compare the portal, API and tools before deciding how SMS should fit in.
