This article is from the May 2003 issue of Update.
I read in Update that a public library was to start using SMS to send alerts about reservations, etc. What software/hardware do you need to send messages in bulk to users? Can it be connected to existing software, e.g. an LMS? I work at an FE college where SMS might be more effective than letters home.
Interesting question, about something I know nothing about. I've had a hunt around and have come up with:
There are a fair number of other useful looking sites if you do a search for: bulk sms messages site:.uk on Google.
As a school librarian, I am amazed at the number of pupils that think all they need to do is stick whatever they are looking for between www and .com to get exactly what they want. It occurred to me that if I could show them some website addresses that were totally unrelated to the names the penny might drop. So far the only one I've got is www.raf.com which is NOT the Royal Air Force. Can you suggest any others?
This was a fun question, and I spent a happy half hour trying out URLs to see what I could find. I came up with a few:
One of our customers is thinking of moving house in the near future. Are there any sites that you could suggest that would be of help to him?
Moving home and advertising properties for sale on the web is a huge area, but two or three sites that come immediately to mind are www.house.co.uk and www.rightmove.co.uk, both of which have housing databases available for searching, and www.upmystreet.com if you want to research a particular area.
Site of the month
My site of the month is the Online Etymology Dictionary (www.etymonline.com/). If you like playing with, and have an interest in, words (and who doesn't?) this is a lovely site which combines usefulness with fun.
Phil Bradley is an internet consultant, trainer, web designer and author. Visit www.philb.com for free information on internet introductions, search engine articles, web design tips and a host of other free information. Recently published: Getting and Staying Noticed on the Web. If you have any questions about the internet send an email to philb@philb.com with the subject header 'column query'.