Netech Computing launches SMSdirect website.

Added: (Mon Sep 17 2001)

Pressbox (Press Release) - Netech Computing, a UK company, has launched its long awaited web based SMS service. The service is designed to provide users with a facility to send SMS messages to the mobile phones of individuals and groups from the Internet.

Initially a tool used by teenagers to stay in touch with each other, SMS has matured into a convenient and inexpensive alternative form of communication for businesses as well. It has grown from being a relatively unknown supplementary service supplied with a mobile phone a few years ago to an industry that is currently sending around 18 billion messages per month worldwide. This dramatic growth can be attributed to the fact that using SMS as a medium for communicating or informing people is cheaper, and quicker than using a telephone, and more reliable and immediate than using e-mail.

Netech Computing developed the web-based SMS service known as SMSdirect in conjunction with one of its technology partners. The service is aimed at businesses that regularly need to disseminate small amounts of information to groups of people quickly. It is available at www.smsdirect.uk.com. Each user is provided with a personal online address book that has comprehensive manipulation functionalities enabling the user to arrange and rearrange members listed in the phone book into different groups. The usefulness of the address book is enhanced by an address book upload from Microsoft Excel function. The service includes an online credit purchase facility and a message history option where sent messages are listed along with the time and date of sending. Being web-based, the SMSdirect service is accessible wherever there is an Internet connection. If you forgot to send an SMS message to your staff while you were still at work, you can send the message once you get home.

SMSdirect can be used to keep customers informed about changes in product prices, exchange rates, expected weather, remind them of booked appointments and to collect serviced products. Staff out of the office can be informed of events such as meetings that they should attend, values of quotes, details on the next company function etc. Staff in the office are also kept informed using SMS.

Robin Merrit, MD of Netech Computing had this to say: “SMS could be one of the most convenient and cost effective means of communication to groups of people. It is cheaper and far quicker than phone calls, and more reliable than email. But sending large numbers of messages from your mobile phone is an awkward and time-consuming process. With this in mind, we looked for an Internet based service offering convenience and ease of use. We had great difficulty locating such a service. As a result, our company sourced technology partners and developed SMSdirect. It is convenient as it is available wherever there is an Internet connection, and it is easy to use as it is user-friendly and functional. The rapidly expanding base of users bears testimony to the convenience and ease of use of the site. We have been very happy with the uptake in the market place.”

The SMSdirect service can be found at www.smsdirect.uk.com. For more information check out the website, or email info@smsdirect.uk.com alternatively Freefone 0800 279 0979 from within the UK or +44 1473 403352 from elsewhere.