What’s the Difference Between SMS & Texting?

 

As the popularity of text messaging for customer service & marketing grows, we are often asked “What is the difference between SMS and Texting?”

SMS stands for Short Message Service. This technology, created in the 1980’s, allows text-only messages to be sent between devices. The first SMS message was sent in 1992. The message read “Merry Christmas”… no LOLs, ILYs, or emojis. It was simple and to the point. With the standard message being 160 characters or less, SMS has the unique ability to grab ahold of someone’s attention almost immediately, and it allows you to communicate your message in few words or less.

The great thing about SMS is that it’s a universal technology available on every mobile network and device. All you need to send a text is the recipient’s phone number. They don’t have to be connected to the internet or have a certain app downloaded onto their device in order to receive your message!

“Texting” is a general term that people use to describe SMS, MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages, and text messages sent over messaging apps. SMS will be generally your text-form, 160 character message transmitted via phone. MMS messages can transmit multimedia files such as images, videos & audio recordings.

So to answer the question, SMS/MMS messaging is a form of texting but through carrier networks.

Where IRIO comes in is with a customizable platform that has the ability to store phone numbers and then distribute SMS/MMS messages to either everyone, segmented groups, or to one person. The advancements we’ve made to our SMS/MMS messaging software allows users to go beyond 160 character limits and includes fun features like emojis, microsites, and MMS messaging. The possibilities with this simple technology are endless, but more importantly, effective. Text messaging, or SMS/MMS, is a punctual medium that continues to rise in popularity amongst businesses and organizations due to its incomparable ability to connect with customers.