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Twilio is driving me nuts - what else are you all using for your SMS gateway?

  • 10 September 2024
  • 2 replies
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We’ve been using Twilio for a couple of years now as our SMS gateway provider, but ever since the Feds passed their  A2P 10DLC registration act, they have become insufferable. 

Technically, none of our Clients even really need to comply with the registration, because they are all low volume, and don’t do marketing via SMS. But Twilio demands we set up a “Campaign” anyway. 

Recently, I was trying to gather up screenshots to create documentation for our Clients to use when they go to Twilio to set up their own accounts and the obtuse and pedantic things they are requiring of me are just unbelievable. 

I’ve thought about just putting a cellphone in our office and run an app to turn it into an SMS gateway, and provide it as a service for our clients… But, I’m trying to get out of the middle, and that will open me up to support calls on things I would rather not deal with.

I know I can use AWS, but they have always seemed to be difficult to deal with as well. I’m trying to find a simpler solution.

What is everyone using? Has anyone set up their own gateway within Acumatica?

 

Best answer by chameera71

Your frustration with Twilio’s A2P 10DLC requirements is understandable, especially if your clients don't do high-volume or marketing-related messaging. The regulations around A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) are primarily aimed at curbing spam and ensuring better message delivery for high-volume senders, but Twilio’s enforcement can feel overbearing for small-scale users.

You’re right to be cautious about setting up your own in-house SMS gateway, as it would require ongoing management, technical support, and possibly more compliance headaches down the road.

Here are some alternative options to consider:

1. Plivo

  • Overview: Plivo is an SMS and voice service similar to Twilio but generally less demanding when it comes to compliance for low-volume senders.
  • A2P 10DLC: Plivo enforces A2P 10DLC, but their process has been described as simpler and less intrusive than Twilio’s. They offer flexible pricing and good integration support.
  • Acumatica Integration: Plivo can be integrated with Acumatica via REST API or webhooks, much like Twilio.
  • Ease of Use: It has a reputation for being easier to set up and manage for users who only need basic SMS functionality.

2. MessageBird

  • Overview: MessageBird is another Twilio alternative that supports SMS, voice, and chat services.
  • A2P 10DLC: They also require compliance with the A2P 10DLC regulations, but users report that their registration process is streamlined for low-volume users.
  • Acumatica Integration: MessageBird provides an API that can be integrated into Acumatica. There are no pre-built connectors for Acumatica, but custom integration can be achieved with the help of a developer using their API.
  • Key Feature: MessageBird offers omnichannel communication, which can be an advantage if you need to expand beyond SMS into WhatsApp or other channels in the future.

3. Nexmo (Vonage API)

  • Overview: Nexmo, now branded as Vonage API, is a direct competitor to Twilio, with similar features but a slightly different pricing model and user experience.
  • A2P 10DLC: Like Twilio, Nexmo complies with the A2P 10DLC rules, but their interface and support are often praised for being more user-friendly and less cumbersome.
  • Acumatica Integration: Vonage API integrates well with Acumatica, either via REST API or webhooks, providing the same level of control over SMS delivery and reporting as Twilio.
  • Support: Users report better support experiences compared to Twilio.

4. Telnyx

  • Overview: Telnyx is an up-and-coming platform that offers SMS, voice, and more, at competitive pricing, especially for lower-volume clients.
  • A2P 10DLC: Telnyx does require A2P registration but has a reputation for being more flexible for low-volume users, with straightforward documentation and an easier registration process than Twilio.
  • Acumatica Integration: Telnyx has a robust API that can be integrated into Acumatica for sending and receiving SMS messages. Their platform is flexible, and users have reported a positive experience with technical support.
  • Unique Feature: Telnyx provides more direct control over messaging and routing, which can be useful if you need better delivery controls.

5. ClickSend

  • Overview: ClickSend focuses on providing business SMS services with a user-friendly platform, suitable for companies that need a simple solution.
  • A2P 10DLC: While ClickSend also enforces A2P 10DLC, their process is simple and tailored for businesses that only need basic SMS functionality for transactional messaging.
  • Acumatica Integration: ClickSend offers an API that can be easily integrated into Acumatica for sending out SMS messages. The integration process should be smooth for a developer familiar with APIs.
  • Ease of Use: ClickSend is known for its ease of use, with a minimal setup and clear documentation.

6. SMS Gateway Providers (Local):

  • If your clients have a smaller, more regional presence, you could explore local or regional SMS gateway providers. These companies tend to offer more tailored support and may not be as stringent with A2P regulations for low-volume users.
  • However, you would need to ensure they provide the necessary APIs for integration with Acumatica.

7. Using AWS SNS (Simple Notification Service)

  • Overview: AWS SNS is a scalable solution for SMS notifications, and while AWS services can sometimes be intimidating, SNS is relatively straightforward to use for sending transactional SMS.
  • A2P 10DLC: AWS SNS is compliant with A2P 10DLC, but for low-volume users, the process might be simpler than Twilio’s. AWS handles most of the heavy lifting for compliance.
  • Acumatica Integration: You can integrate AWS SNS into Acumatica via AWS SDK or using Acumatica’s webhook feature to trigger SMS notifications.
  • Drawback: AWS has a steeper learning curve if you're unfamiliar with their ecosystem, but once set up, it offers a highly reliable service.

Things to Consider When Switching Providers:

  • A2P Compliance: All providers in the US will need to enforce some level of A2P 10DLC compliance, but the process and support provided vary significantly between platforms. Look for platforms that offer flexibility for low-volume clients.
  • Ease of Setup and Integration: If your clients are setting up their accounts, a platform with intuitive documentation and customer support is key. Look for platforms that provide user-friendly dashboards and clear guidance on setup and compliance.
  • Cost: Some platforms may offer better pricing models, particularly for low-volume clients. Ensure that you're comparing total costs, including per-message fees, compliance charges, and any subscription costs.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for an alternative to Twilio, Plivo, MessageBird, and Nexmo (Vonage API) are popular choices that might simplify the compliance process for your low-volume clients while providing a smooth integration with Acumatica. Telnyx and ClickSend are also strong contenders, especially for smaller-scale transactional SMS needs.

Before committing, I recommend setting up test accounts with a couple of providers to assess their compliance processes, ease of integration with Acumatica, and the overall user experience.😀

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2 replies

chameera71
Varsity I
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  • Varsity I
  • 53 replies
  • Answer
  • September 12, 2024

Your frustration with Twilio’s A2P 10DLC requirements is understandable, especially if your clients don't do high-volume or marketing-related messaging. The regulations around A2P 10DLC (Application-to-Person 10-Digit Long Code) are primarily aimed at curbing spam and ensuring better message delivery for high-volume senders, but Twilio’s enforcement can feel overbearing for small-scale users.

You’re right to be cautious about setting up your own in-house SMS gateway, as it would require ongoing management, technical support, and possibly more compliance headaches down the road.

Here are some alternative options to consider:

1. Plivo

  • Overview: Plivo is an SMS and voice service similar to Twilio but generally less demanding when it comes to compliance for low-volume senders.
  • A2P 10DLC: Plivo enforces A2P 10DLC, but their process has been described as simpler and less intrusive than Twilio’s. They offer flexible pricing and good integration support.
  • Acumatica Integration: Plivo can be integrated with Acumatica via REST API or webhooks, much like Twilio.
  • Ease of Use: It has a reputation for being easier to set up and manage for users who only need basic SMS functionality.

2. MessageBird

  • Overview: MessageBird is another Twilio alternative that supports SMS, voice, and chat services.
  • A2P 10DLC: They also require compliance with the A2P 10DLC regulations, but users report that their registration process is streamlined for low-volume users.
  • Acumatica Integration: MessageBird provides an API that can be integrated into Acumatica. There are no pre-built connectors for Acumatica, but custom integration can be achieved with the help of a developer using their API.
  • Key Feature: MessageBird offers omnichannel communication, which can be an advantage if you need to expand beyond SMS into WhatsApp or other channels in the future.

3. Nexmo (Vonage API)

  • Overview: Nexmo, now branded as Vonage API, is a direct competitor to Twilio, with similar features but a slightly different pricing model and user experience.
  • A2P 10DLC: Like Twilio, Nexmo complies with the A2P 10DLC rules, but their interface and support are often praised for being more user-friendly and less cumbersome.
  • Acumatica Integration: Vonage API integrates well with Acumatica, either via REST API or webhooks, providing the same level of control over SMS delivery and reporting as Twilio.
  • Support: Users report better support experiences compared to Twilio.

4. Telnyx

  • Overview: Telnyx is an up-and-coming platform that offers SMS, voice, and more, at competitive pricing, especially for lower-volume clients.
  • A2P 10DLC: Telnyx does require A2P registration but has a reputation for being more flexible for low-volume users, with straightforward documentation and an easier registration process than Twilio.
  • Acumatica Integration: Telnyx has a robust API that can be integrated into Acumatica for sending and receiving SMS messages. Their platform is flexible, and users have reported a positive experience with technical support.
  • Unique Feature: Telnyx provides more direct control over messaging and routing, which can be useful if you need better delivery controls.

5. ClickSend

  • Overview: ClickSend focuses on providing business SMS services with a user-friendly platform, suitable for companies that need a simple solution.
  • A2P 10DLC: While ClickSend also enforces A2P 10DLC, their process is simple and tailored for businesses that only need basic SMS functionality for transactional messaging.
  • Acumatica Integration: ClickSend offers an API that can be easily integrated into Acumatica for sending out SMS messages. The integration process should be smooth for a developer familiar with APIs.
  • Ease of Use: ClickSend is known for its ease of use, with a minimal setup and clear documentation.

6. SMS Gateway Providers (Local):

  • If your clients have a smaller, more regional presence, you could explore local or regional SMS gateway providers. These companies tend to offer more tailored support and may not be as stringent with A2P regulations for low-volume users.
  • However, you would need to ensure they provide the necessary APIs for integration with Acumatica.

7. Using AWS SNS (Simple Notification Service)

  • Overview: AWS SNS is a scalable solution for SMS notifications, and while AWS services can sometimes be intimidating, SNS is relatively straightforward to use for sending transactional SMS.
  • A2P 10DLC: AWS SNS is compliant with A2P 10DLC, but for low-volume users, the process might be simpler than Twilio’s. AWS handles most of the heavy lifting for compliance.
  • Acumatica Integration: You can integrate AWS SNS into Acumatica via AWS SDK or using Acumatica’s webhook feature to trigger SMS notifications.
  • Drawback: AWS has a steeper learning curve if you're unfamiliar with their ecosystem, but once set up, it offers a highly reliable service.

Things to Consider When Switching Providers:

  • A2P Compliance: All providers in the US will need to enforce some level of A2P 10DLC compliance, but the process and support provided vary significantly between platforms. Look for platforms that offer flexibility for low-volume clients.
  • Ease of Setup and Integration: If your clients are setting up their accounts, a platform with intuitive documentation and customer support is key. Look for platforms that provide user-friendly dashboards and clear guidance on setup and compliance.
  • Cost: Some platforms may offer better pricing models, particularly for low-volume clients. Ensure that you're comparing total costs, including per-message fees, compliance charges, and any subscription costs.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for an alternative to Twilio, Plivo, MessageBird, and Nexmo (Vonage API) are popular choices that might simplify the compliance process for your low-volume clients while providing a smooth integration with Acumatica. Telnyx and ClickSend are also strong contenders, especially for smaller-scale transactional SMS needs.

Before committing, I recommend setting up test accounts with a couple of providers to assess their compliance processes, ease of integration with Acumatica, and the overall user experience.😀


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  • Author
  • Varsity I
  • 75 replies
  • September 12, 2024

Thanks for the comprehensive list. 

Twilio was unbearable, even in setting up my test user! They were asking for LinkedIn profiles, wanted samples of what messages I would be sending, and alternate email addresses they could use to verify me -- just to allow me to complete my registration! This was before the A2P 10DLC Campaign setup. (BTW, I have gone through the whole procedure before and had a campaign approved. My problem is there is no way my clients could do that. I was setting up a test company so I could screenshot the process and make documentation for my clients… but I couldn’t even get my test account approved by the Twilio overlords.)

FWIW, for anyone else dealing with this, it turns out that the requirements are not the same for Toll Free Numbers (TFN). You don’t need a campaign at all. I am currently working with ClickSend. Their Email to SMS should allow me to have the same functionality without needing to setup an SMS provider within Acumatica, which saves a step. And ClickSend charges a monthly fee for the campaign used in A2P 10 DLC, so TFN is actually cheaper there. 


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