Multi-Tech Adds API to Turnkey SMS Server Appliance

MINNEAPOLIS, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 – Furthering its goal of bringing affordable bulk text messaging to small businesses, Multi-Tech® Systems, Inc. announced the release of an Applications Programming Interface (API) enhancement for its award-winning SMSFinder™ text message server. The turnkey SMSFinder SMS server, which comes in a compact and self-contained chassis that can be desktop or wall mounted, now has a built-in HTTP/TCP API for efficient interfacing to any application.

"The new API allows third-party developers to create an interface between their application and the SMSFinder," states Bill Chesney, Vice President of Sales for Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "This release gives businesses the ability to communicate vital information to their customers. The potential for developing a one-on-one relationship with a customer is huge."

"For instance, a doctor’s office could use the API to tie the SMSFinder to their patient database. The doctor’s office could automate sending of SMS messages reminding patients of appointment times, prescription refills, or other information. In this application the API allows a developer to connect an external database to the SMSFinder to do batch processing of the required messages."

"The SMSFinder also works with real-time operations as might be the case of confirming inventory at a grocery store. Before leaving home, a person could send an SMS message to see if the store carries a specialty item such as an unusual spice or exotic coffee, and if it is in stock. Upon receiving the SMS, the API application checks the grocery store’s inventory database and notifies the sender if the item is in stock. The API in both of these examples enables an HTTP interface to integrate the SMSFinder directly into an application."

The SMSFinder API consists of a set of routines that an application program uses to perform lower-level machine language commands. The SMSFinder’s API works by using HTTP/TCP to send commands to the SMSFinder such as send an SMS (Small Message Service) message to everyone who is in a group. It is an efficient means to translate the information from an application’s database into actions, in this case messages, that reflect a desired result.

The turnkey SMSFinder broadcast SMS server is equipped with an internal GSM Quad-Band modem, one Ethernet LAN interface/connector, and power supply. After installing the server on an Ethernet network on one end and cellular network using a provisioned SIM on the other end, the unit can be configured from any network-attached PC using a web interface. Recipient names and phone numbers can be entered using a connected PC or incoming call. The address book can contain up to 20,000 entries with support for sorting, searching and group set-ups. Individual user accounts can have selected access rights and broadcast messages can be triggered via SMS using predefined groups and SMS text. The product also supports SMTP client and Syslog for logging and reporting.

Multi-Tech Systems is an ISO 9001:2000 certified global manufacturer of Unified Communications products connecting voice and data over IP networks. Multi-Tech Systems has 75 U.S. patents and numerous international patents. Contact Multi-Tech at www.multitech.com.

Multi-Tech and Multi-Tech product names referred to in this news release are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. Other company names and their products mentioned in this news release may be the trademarks of their respective companies.

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