GupShup launches API for app developers
04-03-2010
They can build and connect small SMS apps/widgets to the GupShup SMS stream
Fresh off a $12 million investment, SMS GupShup, a Twitter-like service in India that is primarily accessed via SMS, is "launching an App Store", or rather an applications programming interface (API), which it calls AppShup. The aim is to allow developers to create SMS-based mobile applications based on the GupShup platform. Developers can use its platform APIs to create and connect their small SMS applications and widgets to the GupShup stream
Launched in April 2007, SMS GupShup (spawned from Webaroo) serves 26 million users across India, currently processes over 480 million messages a month and accounts for 5 percent of all texts sent within India.
Currently, AppShup is integrated with Indian carriers, allowing SMS services for Indian mobile subscribers. The firm says it is conducting discussions with carriers in other countries to expand the program.
Close to 100 SMS apps are already available including Tic Tac Toe, Cricket Quiz, and Word Jumble. For now, most of the apps appear to be free.
Last year, Facebook partnered with SMS GupShup to power and deliver its users' status updates via text messages. Additionally, SMS GupShup has an advertising strategy. Over 100 advertisers currently run on the network including local insurance provider ICICI Lombard and international brands like Puma, Microsoft and Cadbury.
Fresh off a $12 million investment, SMS GupShup, a Twitter-like service in India that is primarily accessed via SMS, is "launching an App Store", or rather an applications programming interface (API), which it calls AppShup. The aim is to allow developers to create SMS-based mobile applications based on the GupShup platform. Developers can use its platform APIs to create and connect their small SMS applications and widgets to the GupShup stream
Launched in April 2007, SMS GupShup (spawned from Webaroo) serves 26 million users across India, currently processes over 480 million messages a month and accounts for 5 percent of all texts sent within India.
Currently, AppShup is integrated with Indian carriers, allowing SMS services for Indian mobile subscribers. The firm says it is conducting discussions with carriers in other countries to expand the program.
Close to 100 SMS apps are already available including Tic Tac Toe, Cricket Quiz, and Word Jumble. For now, most of the apps appear to be free.
Last year, Facebook partnered with SMS GupShup to power and deliver its users' status updates via text messages. Additionally, SMS GupShup has an advertising strategy. Over 100 advertisers currently run on the network including local insurance provider ICICI Lombard and international brands like Puma, Microsoft and Cadbury.
