SMS a friend for help

June 2004 IT infrastructure

JSE-listed Beget Holdings has launched a locally developed software solution, SMSOS, which alerts a network of preselected people in the event of an emergency. SMSOS is a cellphone based, one-touch panic button facility that utilises cellular location based systems (LBS) technology and the infrastructure of major cellphone network operators in South Africa to send a distress signal to respondents chosen by the subscriber. The system operates with any cellphone that is capable of speed dial and caller ID.

The SMSOS number is loaded on a speed dial on the subscriber's phone for quick access. By pressing the panic button a distress call is relayed to each of the respondents who will receive a priority SMS. This SMS includes personal and contact information, as well as the location of the person in distress via GSM coordinates. The ability to locate a cellphone is dependent on the cell coverage of the network provider, so the greater the density of the network's masts, the greater the accuracy of the location.

The service provider for the SMSOS system, Exactmobile, will in addition to hosting the hardware and software, also provide a 24-hour support and maintenance service via their call centre.

Says Lize Gerber, product manager, Beget Dynamics, "The main subscriber can register up to nine dependants as part of the package and can easily add, edit and maintain the database of personal information through the Internet.

"SMSOS ensures the user's privacy by sending SMSs out only when the user has consented by pressing the panic button and the information will only be sent to the list of respondents selected by the subscriber. SMSOS cannot locate any subscriber without him first activating the panic call."

SMSOS will be made available through a network of distributors that will be appointed over the next few months.

For more information contact Lize Gerber, Beget Dynamics, 012 348 1216, [email protected], www.smsos.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

The future of innovative business lies at the edge
IT infrastructure
Connectivity issues previously limited Edge's potential, but innovations like 5G and IoT have made it seamless. The data generated by connected devices enhances analytics, and AI improves customer experiences.

Read more...
AI-powered cyber protection for consumers
IT infrastructure Cyber Security
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is designed for the evolving landscape of cyber threats by integrating Acronis' cyber protection and secure backup solutions, combining AI-powered defence mechanisms, robust data backup, remote management tools, and mobile device protection.

Read more...
Paratus signs re-seller agreement with Starlink for Africa
News IT infrastructure
Pan-African telco and network services provider Paratus Group announced it has entered an agreement as a distributor for Starlink’s high-speed services across the African continent, available immediately in Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda and Nigeria.

Read more...
What is the 3-2-1 rule
IT infrastructure
Data corruption is a bit like a car accident. It does not happen often to a person, but when it does, even a minor fender bender can create inconvenience, and a major smash can cause months, even years, of problems.

Read more...
Undersea cable incidents highlight need for network resilience
IT infrastructure
South Africa's undersea cable network is an indispensable digital lifeline, tethering the country to the global digital community. Daily, these cables process terabytes of data, underpinning near every local sector.

Read more...
Secure backup strategies imperative for business continuity
IT infrastructure Cyber Security
Cybercrime is on the rise, and businesses need to adjust how they manage their data to fend off attackers, or risk irreparable damage, writes Lisa Strydom, Senior Manager Channel and Alliance for Africa at Veeam Software.

Read more...
The state of edge security report
News IT infrastructure
Edge computing has grown from being a niche use case in a handful of industries to offering a major opportunity for enterprises across industries to spread computing power around the world.

Read more...
Managing the allure of Azure (without the costs)
IT infrastructure
Microsoft Azure has proven an appealing digital solution for organisations wanting to embed digital and embrace digital transformation, but the cost has to be carefully managed.

Read more...
Migrating to the cloud? Beware the many hurdles
IT infrastructure Security Services & Risk Management
While there are undoubtedly many benefits, there are also numerous hurdles to cloud adoption. Some of the biggest challenges revolve around managing cloud spend, understanding the cost components of cloud infrastructure, and how those costs can scale.

Read more...
How managed services keep the edge ecosystem afloat
IT infrastructure
A survey by the Uptime Institute found that the impact of data centre downtime has grown in severity, making the availability (of data centres), at the core and at the edge, a key concern for organisations.

Read more...