By Ludo Rubin, Director of Product MarketingCommunication is vital when it comes to operating a modern business, especially when you’re trying to quickly communicate between employees and customers. Phone calls are great for longer conversations, but don’t leave a transcript without the use of additional software. Alternatively, emails are good for communicating longer messages.
For quick instant messages, cellular messages are usually the way to go. But what is the best, most secure messaging app?
There are many different messaging services out there, each of which offers its respective benefits, disadvantages, and unique quirks. As of September 2022, iPhones have overtaken Android as the most popular phone OS system in the United States. Given their popularity, many are now wondering whether they should rely on iMessage for their business communication.
In this blog, we’ll cover the key points you need to know if you’re considering iMessage as a business communication tool.
What is iMessage? What is the difference between iMessage and text message?
iMessage is an instant messaging service that launched in October 2011. Since then, all Apple devices released after the original launch date feature iMessage compatibility. This includes iPhones, iPods, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, and other apple products.
Like text messaging, iMessage allows Apple users to send text, video, stickers, images, location data, and other information to other Apple users. Unlike traditional text messages, iMessages are delivered via Apple’s proprietary servers rather than regular cell towers. This provides iMessages with a number of advantages and security over traditional text messages.
What are the Advantages of iMessage over SMS Messaging?
- Increased security. iMessages are delivered via Apple’s encrypted servers. This provides an added layer of protection that regular SMS messages don’t have.
- Monitor delivery. iMessages are able to notify you if the recipient has received or read your message. This will keep you from monitoring if your team has seen your message.
- No international charges. If you have a global business, you know that communicating overseas can be expensive. Apple won’t charge you, even for international messages.
- Minimal data compression. Regular SMS services have small data caps when sending messages. iMessage limits are an outstanding 100 Mbs, allowing you to send large files.
What are the Disadvantages of iMessage over SMS Messaging?
- Apple only. Unless you use unofficial software, iMessages will convert to SMS messages when trying to contact non-Apple users.
- It relies on a data connection. You can’t send iMessages if you don’t have access to internet services. Also, iMessages will count against your monthly service data cap.
- You’re relying on Apple. If you lose your iCloud account, it is extremely difficult to recover old messages. iMessages also don’t work if there is an Apple server outage.
How do I send iMessages? How to send a text message on iPhone?
Sending an iMessage is very easy. As long as you and the person you are messaging are both using Apple products and signed into your iCloud service account, your message will be delivered over the iMessage system.
What happens when you try to send a message from an Apple product to a non-apple device? Your message will be sent as an iPhone text message instead of an iMessage. In most cases, outside of big files, there will be little difference between an iMessage vs text message to the receiver.
Lastly, you might be wondering how to send a text message on iPhone. There are two ways to go about this. If you sign out of your iCloud account and send a message, your messages will be delivered as SMS messages since you won’t have access to Apple’s servers. Additionally, you can go into your settings and turn off iMessages as well. Just remember that you will be using cellular data when sending a normal message on an iPhone.
Is iMessaging Right for My Business?
When it comes to internal and external communication, iMessage is a solid service to use. It features good security encryption, great data delivery features, and is overall a fantastic international messaging service. Although iMessage has all the features that most organizations need to keep business communications running smoothly, some industries require the capturing and archiving of iMessages to meet recordkeeping requirements from industry regulators (such as FINRA or SEC for financial services).
Fortunately, we here at LeapXpert are here to help. Our secure enterprise messaging and voice communication platform provides great security without slowing down your team. Furthermore, the LeapXpert Communications Platform is fully compatible with iMessage services. Enjoy the benefits of iMessage service, but have an extra layer of security and a total data archive if you need to keep a record of any client conversations for regulatory purposes. Book a demo or contact us today to learn more about how you can protect your business-related communications through the LeapXpert platform!
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