fmSMS v3 Coming Soon
We’re putting together the final touches to v3 of fmSMS. With the release of FileMaker Pro v12 we decided to take this opportunity to rewrite fmSMS from the ground up, which has meant the v3 release has taken us a bit longer than we expected. Version 1 of fmSMS was originally created with FileMaker Pro v6, and v2 was developed with FileMaker Pro 7, 8, 8.5, 9, 10 and 11. With the new v12 file format, plugin installation updates and the ExecuteSQL function we decided that it was a good time to go back to the drawing board and start afresh.
We’re also changing the plug-in we use with fmSMS v3 to the free BaseElements plug-in. The BaseElements plug-in already had a number of HTTP functions which we were able to implement quickly, however it was lacking a function that a number of our customers rely: proxy support. We decided to sponsor the development of this function which was included in the recent v2 release of the BaseElements plugin. The function is called as follows:
BE_HTTP_Set_Proxy ( proxy {; port ; username ; password } )
You can supply the proxy server address, along with the three optional parameters for the port number, proxy server username and proxy server password.
We’ve also reduced the number of files down from 3 to a single file. Using the BaseElements plug-in also allows us to remove any licensing restrictions and to include support for FileMaker Server scripts as standard (previously this required customers to purchase an additional plug-in license). We’ve also included support for additional SMS Gateways around the world, including the USA.
We hope to have the new version ready in a few weeks. It will require FileMaker Pro v12 or higher.
Short Codes and Long Codes
If you’re interested in learning more about short codes – those short 5/6 digit numbers that companies use as the from address, e.g. 13446 – Clickatell have an article on their website that discusses the different types of short codes (standard and premium) and when you might consider using a short code.
They have also posted a video to YouTube the explains the differences between short codes and long codes. If you would like to learn more information about short and long codes we recommend both of these. If you have any questions about using short or long codes with fmSMS please contact us.
New SMS Gateway – SMS Broadcast
We’ve just added a new Australian based SMS Gateway – SMS Broadcast – to our list of supported Gateways.
If you would like to see your favourite Gateway added to our list just contact us with the details. If you’re an SMS Gateway provider and would like to be supported by fmSMS please also let us know.
New SMS Gateway – Burst SMS
We’ve just added a new Australian based SMS Gateway – Burst SMS – to our list of supported Gateways.
If you would like to see your favourite Gateway added to our list just contact us with the details. If you’re an SMS Gateway provider and would like to be supported by fmSMS please also let us know.
New SMS Gateway – SMSBOX.BE
We’ve just added a new Belgium based SMS Gateway – SMSBOX.BE – to our list of supported Gateways.
If you would like to see your favourite Gateway added to our list just contact us with the details. If you’re an SMS Gateway provider and would like to be supported by fmSMS please also let us know.
New SMS Gateway Added – SMS Central
We’ve just added a new Australian based SMS Gateway – SMS Central – to our list of supported Gateways.
If you would like to see your favourite Gateway added to our list just contact us with the details. If you’re an SMS Gateway provider and would like to be supported by fmSMS please also let us know.
New SMS Gateway Added – TextMagic
We’ve just added a new UK based SMS Gateway - TextMagic - to our list of supported Gateways.
If you would like to see your favourite Gateway added to our list just contact us with the details. If you’re an SMS Gateway provider and would like to be supported by fmSMS please also let us know.
fmSMS Trial Version Update Released
An updated version (2.6) of the trial version of fmSMS has just been uploaded to the fmSMS website. This new version includes a number of bug fixes, plug-in updates and updates to the list of compatible SMS Gateways. This version is also makes it easier to get up and running with the Clickatell USA Small Business service. The trial version is available for download in 3 different formats (.fp7 format if you have a copy of FileMaker Pro installed on your computer or a Macintosh runtime application and a Windows runtime application).
Clickatell 2011 Personalized Priority Messaging Awards
We’ve entered fmSMS in the Clickatell 2011 Personalized Priority Messaging Awards. We would love to get your support for fmSMS – you can vote for us by clicking on the image below and voting for fmSMS. Just find “Databuzz” in the list of entries (should be #29 – have to scroll down to find it) and click the Vote Now link:
Thanks for your support!
Clickatell launches new US small business SMS messaging package
Clickatell, a global leader in mobile communications specialising in SMS messaging, has launched a new monthly service for US small businesses, starting at just $24.95 per month, which includes a dedicated number and up to 1,000 free outbound text messages per month. Additional outbound text messages are as little as 2¢ per message, and all incoming customer messages are free of charge.
Clickatell was the very first SMS Gateway supported by fmSMS and they have a very comprehensive developer API that allows us to integrate sending and receiving of SMS/TEXT messages from FileMaker Pro (receiving will require hosting by FileMaker Server v9 or higher with Custom Web Publishing/PHP API). This new offer, combined with fmSMS, provides a turnkey solution for US small businesses to be sending and receiving SMS messages from FileMaker Pro in minutes.
According to Clickatell SMS messages have been proven to generate 10x or higher direct response rates than other media, averaging between 15-45 percent versus a typical 1-5 percent for popular forms of direct marketing. Text messaging also has a 5x higher open rate than email (98 percent vs. 20 percent). Text messaging is capable of reaching 91 percent of people and is used by 64 percent of the U.S. population, versus only 26 percent using Twitter and 42 percent using Facebook. In addition, mobile messaging enables much more targeted, personal interaction and receipt notification than popular social media engines.
Click on the graphic below for full details or visit the Clickatell US Small Business website at http://www.clickatell.com/solutions/business/us_small_business.php

