Cloud communications provider Commio has added rich communication services (RCS) for business to its text messaging product line with the launch of InstantApp. RCS is designed to extend messaging capabilities for businesses while optimizing brand exposure and helping build consumer trust, the company said.
RCS was initially available only on Android phones but was recently added to the iPhone’s messaging application, giving businesses a wide array of new options for interacting with customers regardless of phone type. The development is a “massive upgrade for companies who rely on text messaging as part of their communications,” according to Commio CEO Michael Moran.
“Rich business messaging utilizes the same messaging application on your phone as SMS and MMS, but it is a game-changer in every other way,” said Moran. “To begin with, RCS texts include your company’s logo—enhancing brand awareness—plus independent verification that you are who you say you are. Given the onslaught of spam from voice and messaging fraudsters these days, identity confirmation is critical for consumer trust.”
“With a 98 percent open rate within minutes of receipt, texting is an amazing way to communicate with customers. With the new functionality available via RCS, however, such as the ability to buy products directly from within the messaging app, maintaining that trust is vital,” added Michael Tindall, Commio co-founder and CTO.
Rich business messaging has the ability to pull from a smart phone’s other applications such as maps, weather, QR codes and even the user’s wallet, which “essentially recreates an app experience directly within the messaging app,” said Tindall, who predicts that the new options could ultimately render a lot of mobile applications obsolete. “With rich media, buttons, carousels and more, you can give customers the same look, feel and functionality without having to download anything or click through to another app. That’s why Commio named our new offering InstantApp.”
In addition, Commio’s new “Send a Message” content creation suite allows users to build new texts (SMS, MMS or RCS) by easily adding their choice of features without the need for developer resources. Preview and test options enable users to see how the message will appear on either an iPhone or Android screen, Tindall said.
“Businesses have waited years for the benefits of RCS to be commercially available, and I’m delighted to say that rich business messaging is exceeding expectations,” Moran said.
