Smsgushup which recently raised 12 Million $ from GlobeSpan Capital Partners is in an aggressive mode. They have announced the launch of a unique sms app platform name AppShup. I don’t believe that there is any other sms app platform worth talking about in India atleast and this does make Smsgupshup’s foray a unique one.
Developers can read the documentation for developing the apps here. The system requires developers to have only a basic knowledge of any programming language, understanding of web applications and familiarity with JSON and XML. Developers can use the AppShup API Platform to create and connect their apps to other websites and blogs as well as modify their GupShup stream through the program.
Some interesting information on this new app platform:
- Currently developers can’t have their own shortcode or keyword its assigned by Smsgupshup
- This keyword assignment is on a first cum first basis
- To Register their application developers need to email to apps[at]smsgupshup[dot]com their application description, keyword required and AppURL
Will App Platform Lead To SMS Spam?
Smsgupshup boasts of 26 million subscribers across the country and thats quite a reach by any standards though just like Facebook which faced spam and aggressive publishing of data via apps it remains to be seen how the app platform is monitored and controlled on the Smsgupshup end. After all sms is far more intrusive than a facebook message or wall update. They seem to have given this issue a bit of thought by having a sent vs recieved sms ratio i.e. 1:5 ratio for the same. This means that one app can send 1 outgoing sms for every 5 it receives. More info on this in the FAQs here.
What will developers get to develop the apps?
There are already a bunch of apps in the App directory though all of them are driven by Smsgupshup as of now. A look through these apps will tell you that quiz and polls of any kind seem to be the easiest of apps to be launched on the sms platform. Only time will tell how this takes off for smsgupshup and whether this helps in increasing its userbase. Currently there is no mention of developers being able to charge for their applications or being able to make money from the same which again might be a dampener as VAS unlike the web is known to charge for everything and operators have made users accustomed to being charged for premium sms services etc. Hence its quite disappointing to see no mention of the ability to charge users. Though inorder to provide an incentive to app developers SMS GupShup is sponsoring a contest for the most innovative SMS app submitted to AppShup, with the winner receiving a $5,000 cash prize.
an sms to the smsgupshup costs 3 bucks. do u think in this day of cheap tariffs, junta would use it? Also, is there any revenue share for the developers?
“$5,000 cash prize” – I don’t see any mention regarding this on their website. A link should always be posted regarding such claims.
They also said, it will be available in longcode (but on some upfront payment).
I sent them a mail last week (24-March), still waiting for their reply……!