This document discusses using SMS as a data platform and various open source tools for building SMS-based applications. It describes how Frontline SMS and Kannel can be used to send and receive SMS without internet by connecting to telecom operators via VPN or leased lines. It also discusses building a Drupal-based system integrated with Kannel to provide pull and push SMS services via an API for third-party extensibility. Finally, it mentions the National Immunization Programme used the technology for real-time health reporting via SMS.

1. SMS based Applications:
Behind the scene
Bhabishyat Bikram KC
Anjesh Tuladhar
Young Innovations

2. SMS?
Short Messaging Service

3. Imagine sending same SMS to 100
people from your mobile phone ....

4. Using SMS as Data
● SMS can be structured in a way that it
represented data
● [string] [number] [string]....

5. Why using SMS as Data?
● Ubiquitous
● Accessible
● Mobile Internet still an issue

6. Frontline SMS
● Free and open source software
● Can work without internet, only with cell phone
and computer

7. Kannel
● Open Source Sms gateway.
● Gateway between SMSC (smpp protocol) and
web application (http)
● Works in linux environment.
● Can handle thousands of requests.

8. Kannel
● Kannel consists of three parts
● Bearerbox ( common interface for sms and wep
services)
● Smsbox ( interface for sms service)
● Wapbox ( interface for wap service)
● Different logs are maintained.
● e.g Bearerbox-access.log , smsbox-access.log

9. ● 2012-04-28 09:59:21 Receive SMS
[SMSC:NTNepal5005] [SVC:] [ACT:] [BINF:]
[FID:] [from:+9779841000000] [to:5005] [flags:-
1:0:-1:0:-1] [msg:5:MS 14] [udh:0:]
● 2012-04-28 09:59:21 Sent SMS
[SMSC:NTNepal5005] [SVC:default] [ACT:]
[BINF:] [FID:] [from:5005] [to:+9779841000000]
[flags:-1:0:-1:-1:-1] [msg:88:Thank you for
voting .] [udh:0:]

10. Integration with Telecom Operators
● VPN (using racoon)
● Leaseline

11. System
Lease line
NTC
ncell Kannel
Smart Telecom Drupal based system
UTL
Vpn connections
Blackmyna.com

12. Push and Pull SMS
● Sms services : pull and push
● Getting service as requested - pull
● Services sent by server itself - push
● Short codes or short numbers can be used for
SMS or MMS
● Easier to read and remember.
● Keywords are used to separate messages on
shared shortcodes.

13. Drupal based MIS
● System to send and receive sms using web
interface. ( blackmyna.com )
● Services provided :
● Pull : Poll , Basicnews and couple of other
client based services.
● Push: General push, Scheduled push.

14. Working of
Drupal based MIS
Drupal custom modules
Drupal core
Pull
Kannel User
Custom Classes
Scheduler
Push
Sms daemon

15. Not enough for extensions
● Not extensible, difficult to cope up with the
specific needs of the client.

16. API development
● Developed based on OneAPI standards.
● OneAPI defines commonly supported web friendly
api that allows to expose mobile and other network
operators capabilities to web.
● Provides API for developing systems for push and
pull sms.
● Easy to use and easy to maintain.
● Sms/1/smsmessaging/outbound?
senderAddress=4266&address=9841000000&mes
sage=check

17. System extended via API
Drupal based
Kannel System
API Third Party Software

18. National Immunization Programme
● In partnership with UNICEF and GoN Child
Health Division
● For real time reporting via SMS by health
workers
● www.nip.org.np

20. NIP: Workflow

21. Thank you.