Java Programming

Hi All,
I decided to write this just to update ourselves concerning programming wireless devices..especially being able to send and receive SMS using java. I came accross a lot of posts in which some were confused as to how to start..or they dont even have the idea. Lets begin.

First of all before u begin, u need to examine the nature of the tasks at hand...how often do u need to receive and send SMS....the functions of ur application...whether it is going to be used commercially....and platforms on which the application will run. Afterthen..u now begin to look at the various technologies available...then know where to port your application towards.

There are three ways of implementing sending and receiving of SMS using java (1) This makes use of a Phone or a GSM Modem connected to a serial port on your pc (e.g phones: Nokia, Motorola Accompli, modems: Falcom, Wavecom) (2) By connecting to a SMSC (3)By connecting to SMS companies.

step 1 is ok if ur application requires sending SMS every 5-7-10 seconds (u can only send sms every 5-7-10 seconds )so depending on the nature of your application..u can decide to make use of the solution in step 1. examples where step 1 fits in are (a) developing a sms application for banks whereby customers can check their bank balance..or make payments..these type of transactions fit into step 1. There are various ways by which u can implements step 1...by writing a java app to communicate with your modem or phone...using javacom and issuing AT commands, or getting third party software to accomplish this for you e.g JSMS, SMSAP e.t.c

Step 2 is good if u need to send about 1,000 SMS message per second....to use this system..u will have to have an aggreement with a carrier...so they can allow u to connect to their SMSC...which can deliver up to or more than 1000 SMS messages per second. U can get in touch with ur wireless carrier or a GSM service provider in your country for this.

Step 3 is to connect through commercial SMS companies...they can allow u send 5,000 SMS messages in fact unlimmited no of messages. U pay a great sum for this of course...but this is good if you are a commercial company and you are offering SMS as a service..example maybe you a are company on the web and u allow people to register to send sms from your site....there are some companies who are into this service e.g Simplewire, sms-xchange e.t.c

Of course i have worked with two of these solutions step1 and step3...and they seem ok...based on the nature of the job they perform.

I will be adding more to this thread as soon as i acquire more experience or discover things i feel we should be aware of.

For now
Best Regards.