Umbrella Text Messager (UTM for short) is an entirely object-oriented library for PHP that provides a common interface for multiple SMS -gateway services and manages the hassles normally involved with each of them, enabling developers to conveniently send dynamic text messages with minimal code.
Length limitations are not an issue because UTM will automatically split up long messages while intelligently maintaining readability by ensuring that partial words are not left at the beginning or end of message segments. Other features like multiple recipients and message personalization per recipient make UTM a powerful library that will save any developer a lot of time and frustration.
The word “umbrella” in the name is used in the same manner as the phrase “umbrella term.” UTM supports multiple SMS gateways, but only a few gateway-specific options keep the interface from being completely universal. The same methods are used regardless of the choice of gateway, so the code for sending a message with one gateway can easily be adapted to use another gateway instead if your needs change.
Gateways
UTM currently supports four gateways. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but the choice lets developers choose whatever fits their specific needs. If you would like to see another gateway supported, be sure to let me know.
- Google Voice
- Twilio
- Cloudvox
Features
- The choice of multiple gateways complements developers’ specific needs.
- The code interface for all supported gateways is nearly identical.
- Limitations and requirements specific to each gateway are handled behind the scenes.
- Long messages are automatically and intelligently split up while maintaining readability.
- Messages can be sent to as many recipients as needed.
- Messages can be personalized for each recipient by using conditional tags and replacement tags.
International Support
The email, Twilio, and Cloudvox gateways all support international numbers to at least some extent. At this time, Google Voice does not seem to support international numbers.
Although foreign languages are not necessarily unsupported by UTM , they are not specifically supported at this time, and the supported gateways may or may not be suitable for languages other than English.
Carriers (applies to the email gateway only)
The following carriers are currently supported by the email gateway. If you need support for one not listed, just let me know. Also, realize that this list is for the email gateway ONLY . Carrier support for the other gateways is entirely dependent on the gateway services themselves, not UTM .
- AT&T
- Alltel
- Boost Mobile
- Bouygues Télécom
- Centennial Wireless
- Cincinnati Bell Wireless
- Cricket
- Metro PCS
- Mobi PCS
- Orange (U.K.)
- PowerTel
- Qwest Wireless
- Rogers
- SFR (France)
- Southern Linc
- Sprint Nextel
- T-Mobile
- T-Mobile (U.K.)
- U.S. Cellular
- Verizon Wireless
- Virgin Mobile
- Virgin Mobile (Canada)
- Vodafone (U.K.)
Limitations
- MMS messages are not supported.
- Languages other than English may or may not work.
- International numbers are not entirely supported.
Dependencies
Update: I submitted an update that includes the Swift Mailer dependency in the software package and loads it automatically, rather than requiring users to download it separately and reference it themselves. As soon as the update is approved, the following with no longer apply:
The email gateway relies on the Swift Mailer library, which you will need to download separately. Further instructions are included in the documentation that comes with the UTM software package.
All other dependencies are already included in the UTM software package. UTM loads them automatically as needed.