Twilio – The Future of Real-Time Communication

With the Covid-19 pandemic still surging and showing no signs of subsiding, businesses are forced to network and communicate with associates, clients, as well as employees using online communication tools.

Therefore, having a functional, effective, and efficient communication system in place has become the need of the hour for businesses. Platforms that offer text, voice, and video chat functionalities have to ramp up their services to enterprise level in order to sufficiently meet client requirements. In fact, they have to make their product customizable and scalable to fit the needs of various businesses. 

The communication platforms need to maintain certain standards in order to support a large number of very diverse users. 

Organizations are, therefore, concentrating on finding the best communication platform that fulfils the specific needs of a large number of businesses. 

What is Twilio?

Twilio is one of the most popular cloud communication platform that is being used today. It is based on the PaaS model and is basically regarded as a developer’s platform. In simple terms, this means that the platform is meant to be used by Twilio developers and not by marketers or non-developers.

Twilio development companies use tools and software to integrate voice, video, or text communication in any mobile application. Twilio provides a powerful API system that enables users to make and receive phone calls or text messages easily.

Features of Twilio

1. Twilio is Based on the PaaS Model

Twilio is essentially cloud-based software which is based on the PaaS model – providing platform as a service structure for text, voice, and video based communications. It offers customization solutions that can be used to create interactive front-end user interfaces and premium back-end systems.

2. Twilio Has a Server-Side Cloud Infrastructure

Hosted by Amazon Web Services AWS, Twilio has a cloud communication platform. AWS provides a robust data centre and cloud infrastructure.

3. WebRTC Setup Option

Twilio uses VoIP for voice and TCP and HTTPS for data transmission. Twilio’s web client also provides WebRTC capabilities and setup options. Users are required to pay-as-you-go and the calls get routed through an existing IP infrastructure over a SIP connection. 

4. Database Used

Twilio uses MySQL, NoSQL, and AWS DynamoDB for database storage and other major functionalities. 

5. Hosting

The cloud-scale communication apps are hosted on AWS globally. Twilio developers can even use Twilio studio to build a visual workflow for interaction across various channels without having to make any changes on the servers.

6. Security

Twilio follows the highest security standards including Privacy shield, Cloud Security Alliance, SOC 2, etc. for authentication. 

Twilio API and Related Products

Twilio Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs, is a communication platform that can easily be integrated with various applications. The Twilio API performs the most important function of connecting and optimizing communication networks. This function, in turn, helps users make calls and exchange information over text, voice call, or video call across the globe. 

Key Features of Twilio API

1. Easy Integration

The Twilio API can support a diverse range of programming languages. This allows a large number of programmers and developers to write codes directly and save time by expediting work easily.

2. Regional Compatibility

Twilio provides regional compatibility by allowing developers to manage and configure an app based on the requirements of a particular region. This is a very useful point.

3. Twilio Affiliate Solution

Twilio users are provided affiliate solutions that not only extend marketing assistance, but also include a series of diverse programs, certifications, as well as training for the users.

Product Features of the Twilio API

The Twilio API comes packed with a large number of extremely important features. Some of the most important features include:

• Programmable SMS – This feature allows users of the Twilio API to send or receive text messages from anywhere in the world. 
  
• Programmable Voice – This particular feature enables users to make or receive calls while monitoring them for quality and scalability.
  
• SendGrid Email API by Twilio – This feature allows users to create custom emails which can be fully automated to serve a particular function.
  
• Programmable Chat Functionality – The chat apps can be completely integrated with Twilio API on any mobile or web based application. 
  
• Programmable Video – Twilio API can allow developers to not only build real-time video communication, but also develop high definition audio applications as well.
  
• Programmable Fax – While fax is now a very old system, but many corporate offices still use it. Twilio API is unique in terms of being cohesive with various systems that allow sending and receiving of fax messages.
  
• Twilio API for WhatsApp – WhatsApp is one of the most popular platforms used by individuals as well as brands for internal or external communication. Twilio API allows proper integration with WhatsApp as well.

Pricing Options Available with Twilio APIs

Twilio APIs offer a number of account-specific pricing options for the platform’s voice, messaging, video, or other forms of communication products. The pricing options are mainly categorized into three basic formats. These include:

1. Pay-As-You-Go
2. Volume Discounts
3. Committed-Use Discounts

The pricing structure is calculated as a termly subscription. Users can opt for any pricing structure based on their usage and other preferences. 

When choosing a platform for any important function of the app, it is prudent to sift through all available options. Business owners, the end of the day, are looking for a communication system that is not only cost-effective, but also easy to set-up and maintain. One of the most important requirements usually is the platform’s ability to integrate with third-party systems. This step should be simple enough. Basically, any business owner is looking for a platform which is adaptable, scalable, and low in cost. 

Real-time communication platform providers have their individual set of strong-points, focus points, and potential. The business owner, therefore, needs to make a careful, well-informed choice when selecting a provider before starting the development process. This step can go a long way in helping the business owner avoid expensive refactoring or restructuring of the project.