There are a few ways by which we can integrate SMS into Ushahidi, each having its pros and cons. Here are these and my views on them
Option-1
SMSSync - This is an ushahidi plugin that collects SMS texts from an installation of SMSSync app. SMSSync app is a piece of software that runs on an internet enabled android based mobile phone. This app will upload all the SMS received on the phone into the Ushahidi installation, which queues them up for reporting.
The advantage of this option is it is simple to use and will need relatively very low cost to setup. All that we need is an internet enabled android based mobile phone in India.
Option-2
FrontlineSMS - This works more or less on the same principle as SMSSync, except that the SMS uploading app runs on a computer that is connected to internet. A mobile phone (or a GSM modem) dedicated to receiving SMS will be connected to this computer (via USB). The S/W running on the computer will collect the SMSs received on the phone, and upload them into our ushahidi portal, which will them queue them for reporting.
The advantage in this approach is we do not need an internet enabled android based mobile phone. A mobile phone (or even a GSM modem) capable of receiving SMS, a computer with access to internet and a FrontlineSMS installation (available to download for free) are all we need.
The disadvantage is, the FrontlineSMS s/w supports a very narrow range of mobile phone models. I could not test this option as I could not get hold of any model that this S/W supports.
Option-3
Clickatell - This is a professional SMS service that more does everything that we want, and much more than that. We can send/receive messages through this service. We can also get a telephone number and short code issued through this service.
However, this is the most expensive of three. Just to setup a two-way (for both sending and receiving messages) connection, we have have to pay a one time setup fee of $544 and a monthly rental of $136! I don't think we are ready to spend this sort of money and this point of time.
I therefore think we should go for option-1 to start with. I have done some testing with this option and it seems to be working fine. I could queue a few text in our portal using this option this morning. The only thing I am not sure is how it is going to cope up when the throughput of messages become very high (i.e. we start getting a very number of messages), but I guess we can cross that bridge when we come to it.
We will have to do the following
1. Procure an andriod based smartphone in India, that is connected to internet
2. Download the SMSSync app from the android marketplace, and install it on the phone
4. Leave the app running on the phone.
5. Publicize the phone no on the cgov portal
Does all these sound OK? If yes then do we have anyone in India we can help us in this?
Cheers,
Lala