MTN is upping its attack on the small and medium enterprise (SME) market, with the release of a bulk SMS solution targeting this niche.
The company's BizText product will allow small businesses to reach their customer base using software that automates SMS messages, or allows for a bulk send. The software integrates with several database technologies, including MySQL and SQL Server. It will also access Microsoft Excel, since the company says many small businesses use spreadsheets to keep track of customers.
While MTN has been focusing on small medical practices, the package will be marketed to all SMEs wanting to keep in contact with a relatively small customer base.
Customers will have to sign up for a long-term contract, which may not appeal to the small business client, especially in uncertain times. However, the contract includes a modem, SIM card and 100 free SMSes, with out of bundle messages costing 19c each.
The package allows customers to send two types of messages: basic bulk for product promotions or similar announcements, and a personalised message reminding clients of appointments and other related information.
MTN BizText allows customers to respond to the bulk messages, and tracks all communications in a database-type offering. The application almost turns into a customer relationship management solution, with full communication tracking.
However, MTN has been unable to indicate how scalable the solution is, since it is a basic GSM SMS package. MTN and its competitors have already shown their SMS servers are taking strain with the high uptake of consumer messaging.
MTN says it will only allow a single account to send 2 000 messages per hour; however, if the solution starts to take off, it may have to consider placing the new businesses into a dedicated network position.
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