SMS Webhook

Once it is triggered by an event or topic in a source program, the webhook carries a payload of data to a destination program. Webhooks are also referred to as lightweight APIs that facilitate one-way communication between systems when certain events take place. 

With a rise in integrations among web services, webhooks are becoming a common way to enable real-time updates and notifications. A webhook integration allows you to automate customizable SMS notifications for your customers to receive. 

How Do Webhooks Work?

To receive webhook callbacks, you’ll need to register for topics for which the platform provides a webhook. After completing the registration, you’ll be able to receive webhook requests at the endpoint’s URL following each event. 

When a platform triggers a webhook, the exchange of data takes place over the web via the webhook URL. This URL, which the destination system provides, acts as a phone number that the source system reaches in the case of an event. The data travels in either XML or JSON format and is known as the webhook payload. 

What Are Webhooks Used for?

The purpose of webhooks is to communicate an event’s occurrence from one application to another. This can include sharing information about the event. 

For instance, a streaming service would send the subscriber an SMS message after charging their credit card at the beginning of each month. In this case, the banking system is the source application, and the credit card transaction is the event trigger. The banking system would send a webhook each time the transaction takes place, and the subscriber would receive a notification about the event. 

SMS via Webhook With Dexatel

By integrating Dexatel’s API, you can set up a webhook that allows you to receive incoming messages and track the status of outgoing messages. You can activate this feature by following these steps:

1. Set up a messaging webhook according to the documentation here. The webhook will allow you to receive incoming messages from your customers and maintain two-way communication.

2. Specify the URL you want Dexatel to call once a new message comes in. Make sure the URL can receive HTTP requests and respond to them. 

3. Once a new event occurs, Dexatel will send a request to the URL you specified. The URL captures the request and responds with “ 200 OK” to confirm that you received the messages properly.