What is an API?

Imagine you've got a black box with a big red button on top. When you press the button, the black box lights up.

In this example, pressing the red button means the black box will light up. There is an understanding between you and the box that says "if I press the button, the box will light up." Think of an interface as the understanding between you and the box.

Now let's extend the metaphor.

Instead of hitting a mechanical button, let's pretend that you have to say "Light Up!" to the box in order to light it up. If you could program your computer to say this, the black box will light up. Still functionally the same thing.

Now imagine instead of saying this verbally, you write it out as a written command for the box. And - this part is the most critical - the black box tells you the exact wording to use: 'lightMeUp()'. The box also has an instruction manual on how to submit this command to the box.

API stands for Application Programming Interface. In this example, the application is the box itself, the interface is the understanding between you and the box, ie, the API lets you know how to write out the commands to make the box do stuff. The API Reference is the instruction manual with all the commands.

In SMS Central's case, the application is our SMS gateway, the interface is the understanding between you and our application ("if I write SEND, I will send SMS; if i write RECEIVE, i will receive SMS"). The Reference tells you exactly how and what to write in order for our gateway to send/ receive SMS.

What does SMS Central API let you do?

In plain English, there are 4 things you can do with our REST API.

• You can send SMS.
• You can receive SMS – you can receive them real-time or on-demand.
• You can retrieve delivery receipts.
• You can check your account balance.

Why use our API?

It's fast

Our throughput level is 200 SMS per second, ideal if you are in need of on-time delivery.

It can handle larger volumes

With most APIs, you send 1 SMS per request. With SMS Central, you can send 100 SMS per request.

For SaaS

Integrate with SMS Central, look like a rockstar with your customers. You put the looks, we provide the engine so your users can send and receive from your application.

Manage multi-media campaigns

If you are collecting contacts information in one URL from different sources, you can redirect your inbound SMS to the same spot.

Keep using your system

If you have an application that does all the comms, simple integrate with SMS Central, we'll do the messaging in the "background", and you can keep managing everything from one spot.

How much does it cost?

There is no fee to connect. You only pay for the messages that you send or any dedicated numbers you might want.