A Comprehensive Guide to Media Sharing with Foto Master Software
At Foto Master, our commitment extends beyond providing high-quality products; it's about delivering comprehensive solutions. With this in mind, we've incorporated email and text-sharing functionalities directly into our desktop software and iPad apps, ensuring a straightforward and efficient user experience. While we're currently in the process of developing a cloud-based subscription service, "Foto Master Cloud", we want to ensure our clients are fully informed and proficient with the sharing options presently at their disposal.
This guide is intended to detail the existing sharing mechanisms and offer insights into forthcoming enhancements, empowering you to maximize the utility and performance of your Foto Master products.
Current Sharing Options
Understanding that flexibility in sharing is paramount for our users, Foto Master provides two primary sharing methods: Email and Text.
Email Sharing:
1. Via Foto Master’s Server (Complimentary)
2. Via Your Own Server
Text Sharing:
1. MMS or SMS via Foto Master’s Server (Complimentary) (requires your own Twilio account)
2. MMS or SMS via Your Own Server (requires your own Twilio account)
3. Sharing via Email Carrier (Not Recommended)
The Future of Sharing: Introducing Foto Master Cloud
Acknowledging the industry's evolving preferences for cloud-based solutions, we are dedicated to introducing Foto Master Cloud. This forthcoming platform aims to simplify the process of text message distribution and streamline the overall sharing process.
SMS and MMS Explained: Key Differences
MMS: Transmission of media files as attachments, circumventing the need for server storage.
* MMS is only available in the US and Canada
SMS: Involves uploading media files to a chosen server, followed by the dissemination of an access link via SMS to the recipients.
Note: For users of Foto Master Server for SMS, it's important to note that media sent via SMS is retained for 30 days before being automatically removed. For those requiring extended storage, the options include utilizing personal servers or awaiting the debut of Foto Master Cloud.
Choosing Between SMS and MMS: Factors to Consider
SMS Advantages:
Absence of Size Limitations: Unlike MMS, which is subject to Twilio’s size constraints, SMS involves sending links, and eliminating issues related to file dimensions.
Increased Reliability and Expedited Delivery: Sending links, rather than substantial attachments, ensures a more reliable and rapid message transmission.
MMS Advantages:
No Storage Duration Concerns: Direct transmission via MMS means there are no worries about file storage expirations.
Economical: The absence of online storage requirements translates to cost savings.
Employing Your Own Server for SMS: Considerations
Pros:
Unrestricted Storage Duration: Files can be retained indefinitely, avoiding the standard 30-day limitation.
Cons:
Maintenance Responsibilities: Users are responsible for server maintenance and problem resolution.
Incurred Expenses: Operating a server typically involves additional costs.
Implementing Server Scripts: Guidance
For more information: https://support.fotomaster.com/support/solutions/articles/66000511306-custom-built-online-sharing
Sharing via Email Carrier:
Sharing photos via MMS using carrier selection is a free alternative to using a paid Twilio account.
Please note the following information about the free carrier-based option to make a suitable and well-founded choice:
Carrier selection typically results in 3% of undelivered messages due to participants choosing the wrong carrier. Speed of message delivery is not guaranteed to be instant and with it being a free service offered by carriers, its general availability is not guaranteed and can result in undelivered messages when a service of a major carrier is not working properly.
For more information: https://support.fotomaster.com/support/solutions/articles/66000499447-how-to-use-the-mms-feature-v12-and-up
Anticipating the Launch of Foto Master Cloud
Scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, Foto Master Cloud promises an online layout/workflow setting, galleries, advanced sharing options, email templates, and built-in AI capabilities. This project, three years in the making, represents our commitment to innovation and customer service.
Regulatory Adherence: A Mandatory Note
As of August 2023, new U.S. regulations require digital application-sent text messages to be associated with a registered legal entity.
Customers wishing to use a Twilio account must complete the registration process outlined here: https://support.fotomaster.com/support/solutions/articles/66000517607-twilio-a2p-registration