A Virtual Number is just a special phone number, which is used for SMS or MMS messaging and belongs to just one account (instead of the usual multiple numbers associated with an ordinary mobile phone). In short, a virtual sms number is a crucial part in multi-line communication. In case you are wondering what a virtual number is, well, here it is explained. Basically, it is the number which is assigned to your account and it remains the same even when you change mobile service providers. In other words, if you subscribe to mobile service from Vodafone, you will receive a completely different SMS from a different network provider, such as Orange. Since both networks use completely different SMS standards, your SMS will be unable to deliver across the two networks.
The concept of virtual numbers was introduced so that people would not receive spam when they tried to send messages to people who did not have a verified phone number. This was done by introducing a short code, which required the recipient to key in the same number which was to be sent as the SMS, instead of having the person’s phone number. So, when somebody sends you an SMS, it is made possible only if you have the correct phone number as the sender. However, since a lot of people have been using cell phones and SMS, this option was soon replaced with the opt-out SMS system, which still has its own advantages.
Now, most phones and mobile devices support the simpletexting feature which allows the sending and receiving of text messages through an Internet connection. Simpletexting also uses a totally different number as compared to the other SMS services. All a person needs to do is to go online and create a free number which is associated with a web server, and then start sending sms to anyone who asks for it. As long as the person has an accepting email account and a valid one too, he would be able to receive your incoming SMS messages. Thus, for those who still want to use the traditional SMS service, they can do so, but they need to make sure that they have the right phone number associated with their accounts as this is what would be converted into a virtual number when the SMS reaches the receiver’s email inbox.
On the other hand, for those who are using the new way of simpletexting, they get to enjoy some extra benefits which are not available with the old version. First of all, with the use of virtual phone numbers, the person can easily locate the person who sent him or her the message; as well as get to know the sender’s profile, where he/she is located and other relevant information. Since these SMS services are free, everybody can enjoy them; whether you are using the conventional system or the new version. You also have the option of blocking someone from contacting you through such virtual sms numbers; or just simply avoiding answering calls from strange numbers.
In addition to that, with the latest technology, those who are using SMS Global have the option of sending voice messages in multiple forms. For example, they can now send their voice messages via a short code. This means that instead of writing out their message like they would with the traditional systems, they can simply type out a seven-digit code and it will appear as a voice call on their mobile device. In addition to that, the person can also select the virtual numbers which correspond to his regular home phone or cell phone.
However, since SMS Global works differently from most websites when it comes to security and privacy issue; they still need to follow some simple rules when it comes to providing users with virtual numbers and the secret behind SMS API key. Before they can do any updates to their software, they first need to create a business or personal account with the company. After creating this account, they are required to provide their clients with their API key which is unique string of numbers and letters. Whenever they want to make a call, the caller’s phone number and their API key must be given first before the call is made. When the caller isn’t logged in, he only receives calls from people with an email address with their private number or they receive calls from the same number as their private number but with the username “sms”.
One thought on “How Does An API Key Work?”