Short code 4 digit SMS text messaging services for enterprises launches by ValueFirst Messaging

Short code 4 digit SMS text messaging services for enterprises launches by ValueFirst Messaging

Gurgaon, July 2005

ValueFirst Messaging Pvt. Ltd. (www.vfirst.com) launches short code SMS services for sales lead generation and customer interaction and customer relationship management via SMS. The ValueFirst short code SMS services comprise applications that integrate with database, mobility middleware and a choice of short code.

Just when the ValueFirst short code SMS service was launched, a Leading Radio Channel in India used ValueFirst SMS Services for a unique campaign. It used ValueFirst short code SMS service as a media to enhance interactivity and analyse their listnership patterns to arrive at rating of their programmes.

ValueFirst provided a short code based messaging platform and the radio channel ran the campaign successfully. The benefits were overwhelming response (The response crossed 5 million hits in 15 days) and the data for channel to arrive at focused rating of their programs.

1. What is a short code and how does it work?
A short code is a 4 digit number provided by Mobile Operators on which data (SMS) can be sent by subscribers of the Mobile Operators. Short codes are provided to independent companies (Service Providers such as ValueFirst) and all incoming SMS are forwarded to the servers of Service Providers by Mobile Operators.

The relationship of Service Provider for a short code is specific to a Mobile Operator. Thus, a Service Provider needs to tie up with all Mobile Operators for a specific short code for it to be able to provide a service across Mobile Operators.

2. Why are short codes so popular?
There are two reasons for short codes to be so popular:
 They have high top of the mind recall (easy to remember) and
 A lot of advertisement (online/offline) goes behind making a short code popular

Short code are likely to be used by advertising agencies, media companies, local radio stations, regional TV channels, marketing savvy companies, for campaigns, contests etc.

3. What are the applications running on short code SMS service?

Text Voting
Voting is an exciting way to engage your audience and let them have their say. Newspapers, magazine and television are prime examples.

Instant Win
Through print/radio, consumers are invited to interact with advertiser where they are offered an opportunity of an instant win.

Lead Generation
The short code is published in various media asking for potential customers to send SMS to know more about product/service of the advertiser.

Feedback collection
Using our technology, consumers are able to provide feedback/opinion through a text message.

Fun/Interactivity
This relates to any two way communication specially on-pack promotion which displays a number where the consumer can send text messages to play games/win rewards.



4. About ValueFirst Messaging (www.vfirst.com)
ValueFirst is India’s number one Virtual Mobile Network Operator for data. ValueFirst owns and hosts first-class mobility infrastructure in USA and Germany which is linked to several mobile operators globally.

ValueFirst enjoys network partnerships with Indian mobile operators and has access to almost entire Indian mobile subscribers on GSM and CDMA networks in addition to its global reach to over 200 countries and 400 networks.

ValueFirst empowers its customers to communicate between varied IT back-end systems and mobile phones. ValueFirst provides a unique, end-to-end, global carrier-grade mobile data service. Its mobile data service offering includes "plug and play" application licensing and hosting.

5. ValueFirst Contact Details
Bangalore: III Floor, Sadath Court, 5/6, Magrath Road, Bangalore 560 025 Tel: +91 80 51232207
Gurgaon: C 071 B, DLF Supermart I, DLF City Phase IV, Gurgaon 122 002 Tel: +91 124 5042537/8
Mumbai: 324, Vardhaman Market, Sector 17, Vashi, Navi Mumbai 400 705 Tel: +91 22 27802242
For more details, please visit us at www.vfirst.com or e-mail us info@vfirst.com