SMS Internet Service Settings
Although FrontlineSMS was originally developed to allow group text messaging in places where there
wasn't internet access, more recent versions allow messages to be sent
through the internet if and when it is available. Messages sent this way
are generally much faster and cheaper than sending through an attached
mobile phone or modem, but you do need to set up an account and buy messages
up-front using a credit card. FrontlineSMS currently comes with support for the
Clickatell and
IntelliSMS
messaging services. Both providers offer similar services, but Clickatell has a slightly more
complicated set-up and sign-up procedure. Novice users are recommended to try IntelliSMS
first, although you can use both at the same time if you want
to try them both.
To start, click on SMS Internet Service
Settings in the Settings
menu. If you have existing accounts set-up in FrontlineSMS, they will
appear on the next screen. If you have no accounts set-up yet, click
New on the screen to give you an option to set-up a Clickatell or IntelliSMS
account. You now need to sign-up for the service of your choice.
You will need to be connected to the Internet to register for either of these services
IntelliSMS
To use IntelliSMS you need to sign-up for an account on the IntelliSMS
website. Once you have your user details you simply enter your username,
password and the mobile number you used to register with the service -
which should ideally be the number you plan to use in your FrontlineSMS
system - into
the IntelliSMS Account Configuration
screen, below.
If you want to also be able to receive text messages through the IntelliSMS service - a helpful
option if you don't have a phone or modem to attach to your computer - you
need to edit your "My Account ->
Preferences" options on the IntelliSMS website, adding your email address and setting
the Forwarding type to Email (see below).
To finish, you now need to tell FrontlineSMS you want to receive messages via the service, and input
your email account settings. You may need to consult
your email service provider, or their website, to get some of this
information, which needs to be added to the fields below in the IntelliSMS Account Configuration
screen. Tick the Use for receivingbox and enter your information (see example below).
It is recommended that you create a separate and dedicated email address for
this service, and not use your personal email address.
You should now be ready to go! If you have any problems, consult the
Help pages on the IntelliSMS website.
'Connections' to live Clickatell or IntelliSMS accounts show in the
Phones tab on a HTTP port.
Clickatell
To use Clickatell you need to set up your own
Clickatell API Account (select the HTTP/HTTPS option on the sign-up screen).
Once you have registered for the service you need to input your username, API number, password and the
mobile number you registered with Clickatell into the Clickatell Account Configuration
screen below. As soon as you have entered your details, assuming you remain connected to the Internet, you should see your Clickatell
connection show as a HTTP connection on the FrontlineSMS
Phones screen
When using Clickatell you can also pass your organisation name along with the message, so it
displays on the recipient's screen as, for example, "From: FrontlineSMS".
This might be helpful if there are issues of trust, and your recipient
might be wary of the authenticity of a message coming from a number they
don't recognise. To do this you need to set an alphanumeric sender ID in
Clickatell, who need to approve it first. Once approved you can type in
the approved text in the Sender Number field in FrontlineSMS (as above). Check out this
Clickatell Help page for details.
'Connections' to live Clickatell or IntelliSMS accounts show in the
Phones tab on a HTTP port
You cannot set both a reply number and an alphanumeric name at the same time
Return to Help main menu
If you want to also be able to receive text messages through the IntelliSMS service - a helpful
option if you don't have a phone or modem to attach to your computer - you
need to edit your "My Account ->
Preferences" options on the IntelliSMS website, adding your email address and setting
the Forwarding type to Email (see below).
To finish, you now need to tell FrontlineSMS you want to receive messages via the service, and input
your email account settings. You may need to consult
your email service provider, or their website, to get some of this
information, which needs to be added to the fields below in the IntelliSMS Account Configuration
screen. Tick the Use for receivingbox and enter your information (see example below).
It is recommended that you create a separate and dedicated email address for
this service, and not use your personal email address.
You should now be ready to go! If you have any problems, consult the
Help pages on the IntelliSMS website.
'Connections' to live Clickatell or IntelliSMS accounts show in the
Phones tab on a HTTP port.