Easy Steps to Build Your SMS Gateway in Linux

An SMS Gateway allows you to send and manage your messages from a computer or server (depending on the volume). It's a great option to set a Free SMS system for your business. For example, GMS Gateways like the ones offered by iQsim.com are reliable and flexible, and this means your text messages are sent more efficiently.

Since SMS Gateways are implemented to avoid higher costs and contracts with traditional telecom operators, their legality has been discussed around the world. For instance, a spokesperson from Ofcom, an independent telecom regulator from the UK states:

"An unsolicited marketing message that a subscriber has opted into receiving is one that they haveb not invited but they have indicated that they do not, for the time being, object to receiving it."

That being said, discretion is advised for sms campaigns, since saturating customers with random messages could minimize the reaching effect.

FrontlineSMS is one the most popular servers used in any of the Linux distributions. The software is free and it sends the messages via GSM modems, so the SMS termination rates depend on the standard plan of each provider. Frontline V1 is available for Linux, but the second version is only available in Beta. For more information on other commercial SMS Termination options click here.

Let's go through 3 simple steps to set the software up:


1. Create your destination folder

Create a folder named "frontlinesms" in "/opt" directory.

Go to the terminal and type:

cd /opt
mkdir frontlinesms

You will need to copy the software installer in the new folder. It can be downloaded straight from the website Frontlinesms.com.

2. Run the installer

Type "sudo ./frontlinesms2_unix_2.1.3.sh" in your terminal and let the installer run. Remember you have created a new folder, so choose it when the setup gives you the option to change the folder.

Let the installation proceed and click 'Skip Registration' at the end and the press 'Finish'.

You should now be able to see Frontline on your menu and open its main screen.

3. Install your GSM modem or cellphone

Make sure the Frontline software is not working. Connect your mobile phone and see it the device it's recognized. If not, you should look for the drivers online. It would be best for you to check their website for supported devices.

Once you have connected your mobile phone, type "lsusb" and identify your GSM modem on the list. After you've made sure it's properly installed, you can open the software main screen again and send a trial SMS. The interface is quite friendly and clear so you should have no problem from this point onwards.

I hope this information was useful and you make the most of your new SMS Gateway! Leave me a comment below and let me know how it goes.

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Article by CreativeWorks

CreativeWorks Systems, Inc. is a state-of-the-art New York State outsourcing firm with more than 10 years of experience in providing a wide range of cost-efficient, tailored Web Development and Inbound Marketing Services for clients looking to achieve online results, in a very specific geographic market, that would be out of reach for in-house staff.

Image is courtesy of Bulk24SMS.com.