Outlook SMS FAQ s
1. What is Outlook SMS? The service allows customers to have a plug-in on their Microsoft Outlook that enables them to send SMS messages from their email to the recipient s mobile phone. The recipient of the message will be able to reply to the SMS, i.e. SMS to E-mail. The plug-in can also be configured to automatically send Microsoft Outlook meeting reminders as SMS messages to a mobile phone, thereby reminding one of an upcoming meeting when out of the office. NB: Plug in is an add on in Microsoft Outlook that enables you to send SMS messages from Microsoft Outlook by simply pressing a button on the Outlook toolbar. The following features are available: o Calendar Integration o Automatic meeting reminder via SMS o Storing of SMS messages o Single/Bulk SMS o Address Book Integration o SMS to E-mail (reply messages) 2. What is a plug in and how will the customer obtain it? Plug in is an add on in Microsoft Outlook that enables you to send SMS messages from Microsoft Outlook by simply pressing a button on the Outlook toolbar. 2
The software will be downloaded from the TN website at the following link http://www.telecom.na/outlook_plugin/outlook_plugin.zip 3. How does it work? Post paid and prepaid Customer applies for Outlook and provides 2 usernames, password, e-mail address, IP address and Switch post paid/prepaid number TN captures application TN creates customer, configures Switch number, username, password, e-mail address and SMS to e-mail to enable recipients to reply on SMS received TN provides customer with username and password Customer downloads and installs Outlook plug-in software from http://www.telecom.na/outlook_plugin/outlook_plugin.zip outlook SMS service and starts using the When sending SMS the senders number displayed will be the Switch number Post paid customer billed at month end Prepaid customers must have airtime available to send SMS. Recharging may also be done remotely by dialling 1181 (if customer no longer has a Switch handset) Important to note: A Switch handset or RUIM card is not a prerequisite for this service. The customer will obtain a Switch number upon application. 4. How will prepaid customers recharge their numbers/accounts? Dial 1181 from a fixed line/switch number, follow voice prompts and recharge remotely. 5. How do you send SMS s from Outlook? 3
Select SMS composer tab to send SMS from outlook Select you recipient by clicking on the Address book or you can send to the entire group e.g. Top Management or type in the number Type your message in the message box Click send The Switch post paid or prepaid number will show as the senders number 6. How do I activate meeting reminder to a mobile phone via Microsoft Outlook? The customer simply enters their switch mobile number and international format +264 when sending to an international number Fill in the Notify on: field by choosing from options such as All Events and tasks etc. If meeting notification is not required, the customer will select Never in the field. 4
7. Why use Outlook SMS to send SMS and not the mobile phone? Communicating with a wireless device by sending e-mail messages can be awkward not all mobile devices can connect to an e-mail account, and accessing e-mail messages on a mobile device is typically slower and more difficult than reading text messages. With Outlook, you can send messages to multiple people simultaneously, and a full-sized keyboard enables you to write messages more quickly and comfortably. Also, incoming messages are received in your Outlook Inbox. You can save your text messages just as you would with an e-mail message. This helps you maintain an ongoing record of your mobile communications. Beyond just sending and receiving text messages, you can also configure Outlook to send important notifications/meeting notifications to your mobile device as a text message. 5
8. What benefits does Outlook SMS offer to the customers? Easy to install and use Recipients can reply to SMS sent, i.e. SMS to E-mail Meeting schedule- automatically reminded of meetings when out of the office via SMS Easier to type text messages using the computer s keyboard Bulk messages can be sent to multiple recipients Low cost and effective way of reaching a mobile user Improved corporate communication, i.e. promotions, birthdays 9. Why should I use Telecom Namibia s Outlook SMS service? Outlook SMS offers the following features: o Calendar Integration o Automatic meeting reminder via SMS o Storing of SMS messages o Single/Bulk SMS o Address Book Integration o SMS to E-mail (reply messages) 10. Who is the target market? The service is aimed at the following segments: Government Corporate Large Enterprises Medium Enterprises 11. How much does it cost? 12.1 Prepaid option (Residential and Once - off customers) 6
As long as customer is created by Telecom, customer has downloaded and installed Outlook plug-in software and has credit, they can start using Outlook SMS at normal SMS rate N$0.35c and international N$0.99c. 12.2 Bundles or Postpaid plans Outlook SMS bundles Monthly charge Outlook SMS in bundle rate 50 Web SMSs N$15.00 0.30c/ Web SMS 100 Web SMSs N$29.00 0.29c/Web SMS 200 Web SMSs N$54.00 0.27c/Web SMS 300 Web SMSs N$75.00 0.25c/Web SMS 500 Web SMSs N$110.00 0.22c/Web SMS? Note: out of bundle charge rate to remain at N$0.35c Recurring monthly SMS bundles. Unused SMSs should will not be carried over (use it or lose it). Month to Month billing (renewal/ 1 month notice for cancellation of service). Zero-rated activation fee. 12. What are the service conditions? Customer must provide an IP address to open up connection to the Ozeki server as a security measure One Switch number username and password for many users (no control-open to all for sending) Alternatively One Switch number, username and password for each user (full control) 140 Characters per SMS. If the SMS contains more than 140 characters, the message will automatically split message in parts 7
13. How do I add a contact to my Outlook calendar folder? Click at New items on Outloook, the select Contact Complete, then save and close 8
Second option Adress Book, click on File ans select New Entry. Select New Contact and press OK 9
14. Can I tell whether my SMS message has been sent? Yes, send items will be stored in your sent items. However, delivery of the SMS message is the responsibility of your mobile services provider. 15. Which Outlook versions are supported? Microsoft Office 2003, 2007 and 2010. 16. Where do I get replies to my messages back in Outlook, i.e. on Outlook or mobile phone? SMS to e-mail is configured for each customer upon application to enable reply messages to be received on Outlook. It is thus important for the customer to provide an e-mail address. 17. How many characters can I send in one message? The characters per SMS are limited to 140. However, if message sent consists of more than 140 characters, Outlook will automatically split message in parts. 18. For how long will messages be stored in the sent items? The messages will remain in the sent items for an indefinite period as long as they are not deleted. 19. How do I send a SMS to an International destination? When sending text messages to an international destination, prefix country code to mobile number. 20. How secure is the service? Controlled access: Each user is required to provide Username and Password to access Ozeki. DMZ: The Ozeki server resides in the DMZ environment. The server is only accessible if your public IP is allowed on the Firewall. 10
21. What features are offered by competitors? Calendar Integration Telecom Namibia Automatic meeting reminder via SMS Storing of SMS messages Single/Bulk SMS Address Book Integration E-mail to SMS SMS to E-mail (reply messages) Security Controlled access: Username and Password required.the server is only accessible if public IP is allowed on the Firewall Telepassport Calendar Integration - automatically delivers appointment reminders to your cell phone Meeting Scheduling - all attendees are automatically reminded of meetings via SMS Reminder and Scheduled SMSs - can be created now and delivered at a later date History Logs - Sent SMSs are stored in a folder automatically set up in your Outlook Single/Bulk SMS E-mail to SMS Full two-way communication - allows replies to come back directly to Outlook. "CC Mobile" - automatically send an SMS to an email recipient informing them of the email being sent. Perfect for important and time-sensitive emails! Carbon copies of SMSs - can be automatically sent to the recipient's email address, ensuring no details get lost Security - SMSs are encrypted and secure Inbox Rules manager - enables rules to be set up which automatically send out SMSs according to your predefined conditions User Account Management- This allows total user control and management regardless of 11
company size - from a single user to a large corporation. Enhanced control features include user groupings and message delivery logs, as well as daily and monthly SMS limits - meaning better, faster, cheaper communication for you and your business 12