Plivo – Create Voice & SMS Apps

Adding voice and SMS capabilities to a mobile application is notoriously difficult for developers, which is why Plivo has stepped in with a simplified solution. The web-based application provides its users with DIY tools that they can use to integrate voice and SMS capabilities into their web and mobile applications using standard web languages.

Sign up for a Plivo account, and you can begin integrating voice and SMS features into your existing mobile app almost immediately. Follow the application’s step-by-step instructions to receive text-to-speech calls or make conference calls from a mobile app. You can also build digital phone menus and enable your users to send text messages to any phone number from their mobile devices. Plivo uses HTTP APIs, and takes care of everything from ensuring call quality to handling carrier contracts.

Plivo can be used by businesses in a number of different ways. For example, organizations that use the system can create mobile call centers, they can host web conferences, and they can send SMS notifications to customers. No two solutions will be exactly alike, since Plivo offers countless customization features to its users.

Practical Uses:

• Create your own call tracking software to track mobile ad campaigns
• Build a custom IVR application using Plivo’s Voice API
• Make an auto dialer application that sends personalized voice messages to clients
• Save money by creating your own web-based call center

Insider Tips:

• Developers can build applications in any web standard programming language
• Use Plivo’s Short Code service to easily send and receive SMS at scale
• Use number porting to keep your current phone number while using a new service
• Users can record phone calls with Plivo using the Record API or the Record XML Element

What we liked:

• Businesses can send personalized voice messages to their customers using Plivo’s Voice API
• All Plivo users have access to 24/7 customer support
• Plivo supports transcription services with its voicemail marketing solution
• Plivo offers volume pricing for businesses that are looking to scale
• Users can purchase an unlimited number of phone numbers from Plivo

What we didn’t like:

• Nothing

Alternatives:

• C2Call – https://www.c2call.com
• Twilio – http://www.twilio.com

Company Info:

• Launched: July 2012
• Privately Held
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California
• Founded by: Venky Balasubramanian and Michael Ricordeau
• Web site: http://plivo.com

Costs:

• Outbound calls from regular phones start at 1.2¢ per minute
• Inbound calls from regular phones start at .85¢ per minute
• Businesses can buy numbers at 80¢ per month