Sms To Database – Theoretical

Hello,

a client wants to know whether it would be possible for an sms to add data to a database and how it would be set up re script and hardware.

Currently we have a usb modem with a sim card in. We also have an online shop (OScommerce or Virtuemart for instance)

Each time an sms is sent to the sim (this will need to be scalable to allow several modems to be used) the sms contents can be read and used to update the database.

The application would be for the Safaricom Mpesa money transfer system used in Kenya. The client wants to be able to take live payments.

NB The actual money is being sent elsewhere, the sms is only notification (with info of name, phone number, amount, transaction number, account info (could be anything – username, invoice number etc)). There would probably have to some kind of callback confirmation to ensure the details are correct.

What we need to know is how the hardware would be set up and how the script would interact with the database, security and procedure etc.

This is quite a big leap for us and we need to discuss this (where should the server be, how it all connects up etc). I have attached a zip of the software that is loaded with the usb modem. It might give you some idea of how the information is read (for instance, if an sms is sent to the modem sim while it is connected to a pc the message is shown immediately on the PC s we are part way there already – but obviously you will need to look more closely at the details.)

This will need more discussion I am sure so please PMB

I am looking for some answers and then a quote.

Thanks