HTTP API vs SMPP API: Which is right for your app?

SMPP vs HTTP

An HTTP API and SMPP API are both dominant options for developers that are looking to settle on a quality, high performance SMS API for their software or applications. There is a difference between finding a good API and finding the right one, that suits your business needs and gives you access to all the functionality that you require. So, which is better for your brand - an HTTP API or an SMPP API?

A review of both SMS API functions

Focus on your message requirements:

HTTP API:
Not only is this SMS API popular, it's also uniquely scalable for developers that need to send between 50 and 100 messages at a time maximum.

SMPP API:
This API solution is better suited to corporate brands with high volume bulk SMS requirements, of no less than 5000 messages a month. For more on the Clickatell SMS API gateway click here.

Focus on the size of your business

HTTP API:
With the ability to only send 100 text messages or less per real time burst, HTTP API is specifically designed for individual or SMME use.

SMPP API:
In contrast, SMPP handles high volumes extremely well which makes it an ideal solution for large businesses, organizations, and enterprises.

Focus on your level of development expertise

HTTP API:
This API supports most coding languages which makes it the easiest SMS API solution to integrate with your software and applications.

SMPP API:
In opposition to HTTP, this API is a lot more complicated and requires an extensive knowledge of development in order to be used efficiently.

Focus on the features

HTTP API:
You can do a lot with this API, it neatly covers all the basics - including gateway escalation, batch sending, two-way messaging, 7 day delay, sender ID, delivery acknowledgement, it converts ringtones and logos into the right format, converts VCal and VCard and supports extended length messages, text, Unicode, flash and binary SMS.

SMPP API:
For the larger, more complex API the features include language-platform independence, two-way messaging, 7 day delay, delivery acknowledgement, sender ID, VCard and VCal conversion, gateway escalation and it supports flash, binary, Unicode, text and extended length messages.

The shared support functions

With the HTTP API and the SMPP API, a reliable bulk SMS gateway is required. Clickatell for example has access to over 960 mobile networks, and is trusted by some 13000 companies all over the world. The support that we provide goes a long way to ensuring that our customers have a good experience with their chosen API. Like I always say - an API is only as good as the company's service and support features, they exist to help you properly implement these high performance SMS services.

The SMPP vs HTTP API comparison result

So who wins in the battle between an HTTP API and an SMPP API? I can't tell you which is right for your app, but if you follow these guidelines and choose an SMS gateway provider that gives you flexibility, functionality and quality service, you can't go wrong. These long term SMS services can transform the way you communicate with your customers, resulting in increased traffic, leads, interactions and usage. For more on the Clickatell SMS API gateway click here.