Send messages globally with Plivo’s powerful SMS API Platform

Every day, millions of text messages flash across screens worldwide — appointment confirmations, security codes, and delivery alerts. But how do businesses deliver these messages at scale, instantly, and to any corner of the globe?

The answer lies in an SMS Application Programming Interface (API).

It lets businesses automate and integrate text messaging directly into their apps, websites, or CRM systems; no manual effort or custom-built infrastructure required. 

Need to send 10,000 shipping notifications in seconds? Done. Want to track responses or handle incoming texts automatically? The SMS API handles it all.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how SMS APIs work, why they’re revolutionizing customer communication, and how even non-technical teams can use them to save time, reduce costs, and keep customers engaged. Let’s get started.

SMS API 101

An SMS API is a powerful tool that allows businesses to send and receive SMS messages programmatically. This technology helps businesses add SMS features to their applications, improving customer communication.

What is an SMS API?

An SMS API is a software interface that enables sending and receiving text messages via an SMS gateway.

It connects traditional telecom networks with the internet, allowing developers to use web-based code to communicate directly with carrier networks. This integration makes it simple to incorporate SMS functionality into applications.

With an SMS API, developers can use standard coding methods to handle texts effortlessly. This keeps your business running 24/7, delivering alerts, updates, or info to customers at any time.

How does SMS API work?

An SMS API connects your business software (like apps or websites) to mobile phone networks. It acts like a translator and a messenger.

To use these APIs effectively, it's important to understand how they work and the basic concepts behind SMS. Let’s break it down step by step.

• Your software sends a message request: When your app or website needs to send a text (e.g., a shipping update or login code), it tells the SMS API: “Send this message to this phone number.”
• The API prepares the message: The SMS API takes your request and converts it into a format that mobile networks understand. It handles technical details like country codes, carrier rules, and message formatting.
• The message travels to the recipient: It sends the message to mobile networks, which deliver it to the recipient’s phone. If the person replies, the API sends that reply back to your software.
• Automation and scale: The API handles all the technical steps like checking for errors, confirming deliveries, and retrying failed messages. This lets you send thousands of texts at once without manual effort.

Basic SMS concepts

SMS is a foundational tool for modern communication, but using it effectively requires understanding a few key concepts:

Sender ID

This is the name or number that recipients see when they receive your message. It could be a short code (e.g., “12345”), a long code (a standard phone number), or an alphanumeric ID (e.g., “YourBiz”).

A recognizable sender ID builds trust and ensures recipients know the message is from you.

Latency

Latency refers to the delay between sending a message and its delivery. Lower latency means faster delivery.

For example, providers like Plivo optimize this by maintaining points of presence (PoPs) at major internet exchange hubs across various global regions. These PoPs ensure messages travel through Plivo’s high-speed network within each region, minimizing delays even for cross-region traffic.

This setup keeps round-trip times low, so messages arrive almost instantly.

Messaging throughput

This is the number of messages a system can handle per second. High throughput is critical for businesses sending bulk SMS (e.g., marketing campaigns or alerts).

Reliable providers ensure their infrastructure scales seamlessly to handle spikes in demand without delays.

Delivery status

SMS APIs provide real-time updates on the delivery status of a message, indicating whether it was delivered, failed, or is pending.

For example, you might see “delivered” (success), “undelivered” (carrier issue), or “expired” (message timed out). This helps businesses confirm critical notifications (like transaction alerts) have reached customers.

Message encoding and character limits

SMS messages have specific rules for formatting and length to ensure they work across all devices and networks:

• Standard SMS: Uses Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM-7) encoding, which supports basic text (like letters, numbers, and common symbols). These messages can be up to 160 characters long.
• Unicode SMS: Supports emojis, special characters (e.g., accents, Chinese, or Arabic script), or fonts outside the GSM-7 standard. These messages are shorter and limited to 70 characters.

If a message exceeds these limits, it gets split into multiple parts (e.g., a 162-character text becomes two messages).

While most phones stitch them back together, this can increase costs.

Plivo offers an intelligent message encoding feature that automatically detects subtle Unicode characters that are often overlooked. This feature replaces these with similar GSM-encoded characters, ensuring your message is limited to 160 characters.

This eliminates the need to send multiple messages, making your communication more efficient.

Benefits of SMS API

Using an SMS API offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to enhance their communication strategies. Here are some key benefits:

Capture immediate attention

SMS APIs ensure your messages reach customers instantly, making them one of the most effective communication channels.

A survey shows that 80.5% of consumers check their text notifications within five minutes, meaning your alerts, promotions, and reminders are seen almost immediately. This rapid visibility increases engagement, response rates, and customer interactions.

Unlike emails or push notifications that may go unnoticed, SMS messages create a direct and personal connection with recipients, prompting quicker action.

Automated messaging solutions

SMS APIs let businesses automate routine messages like appointment reminders, payment alerts, and order updates. But the biggest benefit isn’t saving time, it’s making customers happier.

43% of marketers say better customer service is the biggest benefit of automation.

For example, a store could automatically send texts like “Your package is on the way!” or “Your order is ready for pickup!” after a purchase. These quick, helpful updates keep customers informed without anyone on the team having to type a single message.

Two-way conversation

SMS APIs let customers reply directly, turning texts into real conversations.

Take LAZ Parking, for example. It manages over 3,400 parking properties across 38 U.S. states. They needed a seamless way for drivers to pay for parking without downloading an app or standing in line. Here’s how they resolved this problem:

• Drivers text a unique code (posted in the parking lot) to a number leased through Plivo’s SMS API.
• They instantly receive a payment link to complete the transaction on their phones.
• If they’re stuck, replying “HELP” triggers automated support, guiding them through the process.

No maintenance worries

Cloud-based SMS APIs eliminate infrastructure headaches. Providers handle updates, scaling, and security and your team just needs to integrate the API and send messages.

No need to worry about server crashes or compatibility issues. It’s like having a dedicated IT team managing your messaging backbone 24/7.

Cost-effective strategy

Traditional marketing can get costly, and you might not even reach the right customers.

That’s why an SMS API is so useful.

It lets you send fast, affordable messages directly to thousands of people who actually want to hear from you. This makes it a simple way to grow your business and get your updates seen by the right audience.

Global reach with multilingual support

SMS APIs offer businesses the ability to connect with a global audience, transcending geographical boundaries.

Platforms like Plivo offer SMS solutions that send messages to 220+ countries and territories, with tools to adapt content to local languages, customs, and cultural preferences.

For businesses targeting international markets, this feature is crucial. It allows for consistent communication, whether you’re sending promotional offers, service updates, or support messages. Plus, by using an SMS API, companies can ensure their messages are culturally sensitive and localized.

This helps build trust with customers and increase brand loyalty across diverse demographics.

Use cases of SMS API

SMS APIs have a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some common use cases:

Digital marketing and sales

Text message marketing is a great way for businesses to reach customers directly. It lets companies share sales updates, discounts, and important news straight to their customers’ phones.

A 2023 report on mobile users found that over half of customers (52%) prefer getting updates via text, making it a key part of any business’s marketing plan.

GoCheckin, a tool created by Fastboy Marketing, helps beauty salons send appointment reminders and special deals to their clients. They use Plivo to manage and send large numbers of texts quickly and reliably.

Using text messages instead of an app, Fastboy simplified the process for salons to connect with clients.

Notifications and alerts

Automatic updates and account alerts help keep customers in the loop and strengthen their trust in a business.

Text messages work especially well for sharing fast, dependable updates about purchases, security warnings, or changes to their accounts.

Online stores use texts to update customers at every step of the shipping process.

Take Luxer One, a company based in California that installs secure package lockers for apartments and homes as an example. They use text messages to let residents know when a package arrives.

Before switching to texts, they relied on emails — but many residents didn’t see or check their emails, causing packages to go unclaimed and frustrations to rise.

With text messages, Luxer One now ensures nearly every alert (over 99%) reaches customers, making package pickups smoother and customers happier.

Customer care

SMS APIs enhance customer care by enabling businesses to offer fast, personalized, and efficient support. Customers receive instant responses to their inquiries, leading to quicker resolutions and improved satisfaction.

For example, an e-commerce company can send immediate order confirmations, delivery updates, or troubleshooting guidance via SMS, keeping customers informed at every step.

Additionally, with conversational AI, you can provide instant help 24/7, reducing the burden on your team and allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. This streamlines support operations, strengthens customer relationships, and drives loyalty, all while offering a seamless customer experience.

Two-factor authentication (2FA)

Businesses use SMS services to send 2FA login codes for added security.

When users log in, the system texts a code to their phone to verify their identity. This method is popular because texts arrive quickly and people check them instantly.

Banks, apps, and online shops rely on SMS for this step — it’s simple for users and reduces fraud risks. Some companies pair it with backup options (like email) in case phones aren’t accessible.

Reminders

Sending appointment reminders by text is a simple way to keep customers informed and reduce missed appointments.

Once you connect an SMS service to your current setup, the system automatically sends reminders at the right time. For example, when an appointment is coming up, the service instantly delivers a text to the customer’s phone.

A dental clinic could text patients a day before their visit, helping them remember their appointments and show up on time.

Best practices for implementing SMS API

Implementing an SMS API can significantly enhance your application's communication capabilities. Here are some best practices to ensure a successful SMS API integration:

Set clear objectives

Setting clear objectives is key to successfully using an SMS API. Start by deciding what you want to achieve with your text messages. For example, you might want to keep customers informed, send alerts, or promote your products.

Also, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure how well your SMS efforts are working and identify areas for improvement.

Prioritize business messaging guidelines

Following business messaging guidelines is crucial for staying compliant and building trust with your audience. Make sure to comply with local laws like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the U.S. and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe.

It's essential to have a clear opt-in process, so people know they are agreeing to receive your messages.

Moreover, always identify your business in the texts you send. This helps create transparency and trust with your subscribers.

Use API personalization

71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions, and 76% get frustrated when this doesn’t happen.

Taking advantage of the personalization features in your SMS API can greatly improve how your audience interacts with your messages. You can customize texts based on user data, preferences, or behaviors, making your messages more relevant.

For instance, if a retail store knows that a customer often buys running shoes, sending a text about a new running shoe launch or a special offer can make the message feel more relevant.

Also, consider A/B testing different personalized messages to find out which ones work best for your audience.

Avoid spamming subscribers with promotions

Sending too many irrelevant marketing messages can drive customers away. In fact, 47% of customers found such texts annoying and 28% stopped using the brand.

This shows how important it is to limit how often you send messages. Instead of just pushing promotions, focus on making each message valuable.

You can offer helpful information, special deals, or important updates. Sharing relevant content also keeps your audience engaged. On top of that, always provide an easy way for subscribers to opt out of messages. This gives them control over what they receive and helps improve their satisfaction.

Monitor and analyze

Monitoring and analyzing your SMS campaigns is important for ongoing success. Use analytics tools to track performance, including delivery rates, open rates, and engagement. 

Encouraging feedback from recipients can help you understand their preferences and improve future messages. Regularly review your SMS strategy based on the data you collect, and make adjustments to optimize your performance.

Experience the benefits of an SMS API with Plivo

When selecting an SMS API for mass communication, it’s important to choose a trusted cloud platform known for reliability, security, and ease of use. Here’s why Plivo stands out as a top choice for businesses:

• Global connectivity: It allows you to send messages to customers all over the world through a network of reliable carriers.
• Advanced features: You can manage sender IDs, use special characters for better readability, and access detailed analytics to optimize your campaigns in real time.
• Seamless integration: Plivo’s SMS API works well with popular tools like Zapier, making your workflows simpler.
• High reliability: The platform is built on a strong infrastructure capable of handling large message volumes. With fault-tolerant systems and high availability, it guarantees a 99.99% uptime for all global connections.
• Competitive pricing: You only pay for what you use. Plivo offers volume discounts for regular usage, helping you save more as your messaging needs grow.
• 24/7 customer support: Plivo provides various support plans to fit any organization's needs, from a free basic plan to a premium plan with 24/7 support.

Ready to streamline your communication? Contact us today to learn how Plivo can elevate your business messaging!

Research shows that most consumers want to receive text messages from brands they know and love. In fact, according to Yotpo, more than 80% of shoppers are already signed up to receive text messages from at least one brand. 

Despite the data clearly indicating that your brand can and should take advantage of SMS marketing, you still explicitly need your customers' permission to text them. Opt-in and opt-out regulations dictate how individuals give or withhold consent for their personal information to be collected, used, or shared. 

Opt-in and opt-out regulations differ from region to region. Some may mandate opt-in for certain data types, while others may allow opt-out. In this guide, we’ll outline the key tenets of opt-in rules, share the most widely applicable best practices, and suggest the best way to manage these permissions so your company remains compliant. 

Why businesses must ask for opt-in permission

There are several reasons why businesses must ask their customers for opt-in permission. First and foremost, it’s a legal requirement in many places. For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union mandates opt-in consent for certain types of data processing. Under GDPR, consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. Failing to obtain proper opt-in consent can lead to significant fines and legal issues for businesses.

Opt-in and opt-out options also help businesses demonstrate respect for user privacy and build customer trust. These permissions give users control over their personal information, which can strengthen a company’s reputation. Opt-in models require businesses to clearly explain:

• What data is being collected
• How it will be used
• Who it may be shared with
• The user's rights regarding their data

This ensures users make informed decisions about sharing their information.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, opt-in/opt-out permissions minimize the risk of a privacy breach. By only processing data from customers who have explicitly granted permission to do so, companies can reduce their exposure to possible privacy violations. 

What are the opt-in and opt-out requirements?

Opt-in and opt-out requirements describe someone’s actions concerning their personal data when accessing an app, website, or marketing campaign. For example, someone could choose to accept cookies, stop receiving text messages, or share their personal information to receive a newsletter. 

Opt-in and opt-out requirements differ in their approach to obtaining consent from individuals regarding the collection and use of their personal data. Opt-in consent requires individuals to actively and explicitly agree before any processing occurs. 

Opt-out requirements assume consent by default, meaning the user has to take action if they do not want their data collected or used. The table below shows a high-level comparison between opt-in/opt-out approaches.

There are certain legal requirements to be aware of as you set up your opt-in/opt-out collections process. GDPR isn’t the only regulation governing consumer privacy with data processing consent requirements. Many countries, including EU member states, Canada, and Australia, require opt-in consent for email marketing. The United States, under the CAN-SPAM Act, allows opt-out approaches for commercial emails.

Rules aren’t limited to governmental bodies, either. Gmail and Yahoo have also issued new email sender guidelines which require every email to have visible and accessible unsubscribe options. 

Opt-in: a deeper dive

For businesses, the level of opt-in required varies based on the type of message being sent. The CTIA, a trade association for the U.S. wireless communications industry, outlines three main categories:

Promotional messages

Promotional messages require explicit written consent from customers before you can send them. 

A promotional SMS marketing message encourages customers to take action, such as purchasing, attending an event, or engaging with a product. Examples include:

• Product recommendations
• Event announcements
• Seasonal offers

Informational messages

Informational messages require written or verbal permission from customers prior to sending. 

An informational message is an update related to a customer's account or their relationship with the business. These messages include:

• Account notifications
• Loyalty program reminders
• Appointment confirmations
• Welcome messages

Conversational Messages

Conversational messages do not require explicit opt-in consent. These types of messages are one-on-one exchanges between a business and a customer, initiated by the customer. As such, the customer's initial outreach implies consent for that specific conversation. However, this doesn't grant permission for marketing messages or discussions on unrelated topics.

Here are some more specific opt-in and opt-out scenarios to consider. 

Double opt-ins 

A double opt-in is one in which a user signs up for an email marketing list or to receive SMS, and then a message (email or text) is sent to the user to click and confirm the subscription. The confirmation click is required for the user to receive future communications. 

The double opt-in confirmation method not only helps reduce the risk of spam emails or fake numbers but it also reduces instances of bots signing up for your communications. This added step ensures that all your recipients are real people who genuinely want to hear from your company. This translates to higher engagement rates and lower costs. 

Opt-in for websites, social media, and email 

Opt-in approaches for websites, social media, and email share some common principles, but also have platform-specific requirements. 

Websites must get explicit opt-in consent before using non-essential cookies. The easiest way to get this consent is to show a banner or pop-up when a user first enters the site. You may also want to include opt-in consent to use analytics tools, depending on your location. 

Social media platforms also generally rely on opt-in consent for data collection and storage, but the platform itself will handle that for you. For example, a Facebook user agrees to Meta’s terms of service and privacy policies when creating an account. You don’t have to ask a second time when you view your business profile’s analytics. 

However, some platforms may require additional opt-in consent for certain ad targeting or data-sharing scenarios. Facebook requires explicit opt-in for some sensitive ad categories.

Opt-in for email marketing and SMS 

Email and SMS campaigns have their own set of rules that your business needs to know. You must get explicit consent before sending any marketing messages via email or SMS. For email, consent is required but can be implied in some cases (such as if the user has an existing business relationship). 

SMS has one additional requirement. Your SMS messages must include clear disclosure of message frequency, potential carrier charges, and how to opt out if the user no longer wishes to receive messages from your business. Follow these best practices when designing your SMS opt-in approach: 

• Keep initial messages short (under 160 characters)
• Clearly state your company name and purpose of messages
• Provide immediate value to the recipient (e.g. welcome offer)
• Make opting out easy with clear instructions

Your email campaigns must include your company’s physical address, as well as an unsubscribe mechanism. Like SMS, try to make the sign-up process simple and user-friendly. 

Offer a preference center to manage subscriptions and set clear expectations about email content and frequency. 

How to incentivize opt-ins

Now that you know the guardrails governing opt-ins, how can you encourage your audience to sign up for and continue receiving your SMS marketing?

First and foremost, as the saying goes, you have to give something to get something. Give your audience a clear reason for subscribing to your SMS messaging list, such as a discount, early access to sales, or personalized shopping recommendations. In the process, set clear expectations: let the customer know how often they can expect to hear from you, as well as what kind of texts they will be receiving (for instance, order updates, appointment reminders, or something else). 

Next, make it easy to say yes. Use keywords for easy text-to-join options; for example, a pet supplies subscription box could ask customers to text “WOOF123” to a short code used by the brand. Any forms that need to be filled out should be optimized for mobile. Think about your sign-up process, too. 

Finally, to retain customers, make sure you stick to your cadence and continue offering value in your SMS marketing outreach. If you start to see opt-out rates creep up, check on your analytics to make sure there are no issues with your delivery. Then, consider whether your SMS messaging delivers your audience something unique and consistent with the rest of your marketing efforts. 

Opt-in and opt-out best practices 

Crafting effective opt-in prompts is more than just a formality. It's a strategic decision that can foster a loyal, engaged audience. By adhering to best practices, you'll enhance your customer experience, ensure compliance with data privacy laws, and build trust. Follow these best practices to make it easy for your audience to control how much they share with your business. 

1. Don’t pre-check the opt-in box. Some forms are set up so that the user has to opt out and uncheck a box to avoid receiving emails. It’s a sneaky way for a brand to collect user information since most people don’t realize they must uncheck the box. Clearly, this does not foster trust with your audience. 
2. Use a CAPTCHA or OTP to secure your sign-up form. A CAPTCHA can help prevent bots from signing up for your SMS list. Screen out bad actors to prevent cost overruns and protect your subscriber list.
3. Maintain your list regularly. Update your contact lists regularly to remove unresponsive subscribers and invalid numbers. Cleaning up your list ensures you are only messaging with engaged users and not spending your budget sending SMS to those who won’t respond. 
4. Use double opt-in. Employing a double opt-in approach can significantly improve your campaign results. When users opt-in twice, you can be assured that they definitely want to hear from and engage with your brand. This leads to better quality and higher performance. 
5. Make your opt-in message crystal clear. Your SMS opt-in form must specifically mention SMS as the communication channel. In the US, 10DLC compliance mandates that you mention SMS in your opt-in form. For example, your opt-in form could read, “Check this box to opt-in to receive SMS text messages from (Your Company Name). Standard rates and data may apply. Reply STOP to opt out."

Ultimately, the goal is clear, simple communication with your SMS subscriber list. These tools can help you manage opt-in to achieve that outcome. 

How to manage opt-in and opt-out requests

Tools like Plivo make it easy to manage opt-in and opt-out requests. Plivo’s SMS platform automatically handles SMS opt-out if your contact replies with an opt-out keyword. We support these opt-out keywords:

• Stop
• Cancel
• End
• Quit
• Unsubscribe

Plivo also supports 10DLC opt-in consent through voice, web form, keyword, and even paper form. We provide extensive guidance on how to collect opt-in consent in our developer documentation. We strongly recommend consulting our A2P opt-in best practices before launching your campaign.   

Conclusion 

Plivo’s SMS API is one of the most effective ways to engage with customers worldwide. With SMS coverage in over 220 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, South America, and Africa, Plivo customers use opt-in daily to maintain and grow their contact lists. Powerful, out-of-the-box features beyond opt-out automation help your business gain a competitive advantage in SMS communications. 

Learn more about Plivo’s platform and how our API could work for your business. Get in touch to request a trial.

Okta will sunset its SMS and voice verification service on September 15, meaning all Okta users need to bring their own provider (BYOP) to continue offering one-time passcode (OTP) verification using these channels. Okta will focus on password-less options like FastPass or FIDO2 WebAuthn. 

While FastPass and WebAuthn undeniably offer advanced security features, we believe SMS and voice authentication methods remain relevant in enterprise environments. There are compelling reasons enterprises should continue using Plivo with Okta for SMS and voice OTP authentication. Not only that, but Plivo makes it easy to integrate with Okta and make sure your customers never experience a delay, miss an OTP, or get frustrated trying to log in. 

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Here are some key benefits and considerations that make these channels both a viable and valuable choice for businesses today.

6 SMS and voice OTP advantages

1. Universal accessibility and compatibility

The wide user reach makes SMS and voice verification a good option for global enterprises. SMS and voice authentication methods are not limited by the type of device a user has. Whether someone is using a basic feature phone or a high-end smartphone, SMS and voice work seamlessly across all mobile devices. Users don’t need to install specific applications, possess hardware tokens, or have smartphones.

Using multiple channels for OTPs also creates redundancy that fosters greater reliability.  SMS and Voice OTPs serve as reliable backup methods when primary authentication methods fail or are unavailable due to technical issues or user device problems. This redundancy ensures continuity and reduces the risk of access interruptions.

Did you know? Plivo also supports WhatsApp, with email and RCS messaging coming soon!

This inclusivity ensures users can participate in secure authentication processes regardless of their technological capabilities or resources.

2. Ease of integration

On the business side, most enterprises already support SMS and voice OTPs, making these methods easy to maintain and expand. This established infrastructure reduces the need for significant investment in new systems, allowing businesses to continue leveraging their existing resources. Plivo’s Verify API integrates seamlessly, allowing developers to slash implementation time by 90%.

3. User familiarity and convenience

Because OTPs enjoy global reach, the process is straightforward and familiar to most users. The simplicity of receiving and entering a code into a system makes SMS and voice OTPs convenient for users of all ages and technical proficiency levels. This familiarity reduces the need for extensive training and support, enabling smoother adoption and fewer usability issues.

For developer teams, unlike advanced authentication methods that may require setup, enrollment, or understanding of new technologies, SMS and voice authentication can be deployed immediately. Plivo’s Verify API is ready to go in just one sprint.

4. Support for non-corporate users

Not all users interacting with an enterprise's systems have corporate-managed devices or can install apps like FastPass or use WebAuthn’s advanced features. Contractors, remote workers, and temporary workers still need a way to secure their accounts without requiring corporate IT involvement. OTPs allow for secure authentication without complex device management policies, making them ideal for BYOD and hybrid work scenarios.

5. Affordable and scalable

OTPs have low initial investment costs: enterprises do not need to purchase and distribute hardware tokens or ensure all users have compatible devices. This reduces the upfront costs associated with more advanced authentication methods.

SMS and Voice services can be easily scaled up or down based on demand, allowing businesses to adjust their authentication capabilities without significant additional costs or logistical challenges. Plivo offers flexible pricing models, enabling organizations of all sizes to adopt these methods economically. Plus, Plivo Verify comes with:

• Zero authentication fees
• Fraud Shield for free
• No regulatory overhead
• No need to purchase numbers
• Reduced technical support costs
• No monthly phone number rental fee

Supporting advanced authentication methods can increase technical support needs due to issues like setup, device compatibility, or app installations. SMS and voice-based methods, however, are simple and intuitive, requiring little to no user guidance and reducing the burden on IT support.

6. Meet compliance standards  

In some industries, such as finance and healthcare, and in certain regions, SMS and voice OTPs are recognized and accepted methods for multi-factor authentication. These methods help enterprises meet regulatory requirements without the need to adopt newer technologies that may not yet be standardized.

Plivo is HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS compliant, with SOC 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certification.

Get started with Plivo

While modern authentication methods like FastPass and WebAuthn offer enhanced security, SMS and voice OTPs remain relevant and valuable for all businesses. Their universal accessibility, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and role as a reliable backup make them indispensable in various enterprise contexts.

Okta users can integrate Plivo in five minutes or less. Our off-the-shelf API is designed to “go live in one sprint.” With a 95% OTP conversion rate and the lowest costs per conversion, Plivo’s Verify API is well suited for businesses of all sizes. Learn more to ensure secure, inclusive, and resilient access for all users, regardless of their technological capabilities.