Most newcomers to text messaging think that there are no inherent advantages in this communication medium with likes of e-mail and phone calls already prevalent. In many cases this is true and it is often just as easy to drop someone an e-mail as it is to send an SMS.

So what are the advantages? Text Messages do have some unique properties and instances where they are particularly useful. These include the following

An SMS is personal
Unlike an e-mail, an SMS is much more likely to be read by a person at any one time, since the majority of people have their mobile phones at arms reach 24 hours a day. Of course the same also applies to a phone call.

Messages are instantly recorded
Unlike a phone call, an SMS message is automatically stored where it can be re-read. This proves particularly useful in the case of fairly detailed information that might otherwise be forgotten. Here are a few everyday examples that would prove very handy via SMS rather than voice:

• The odds on the 7 horses in the 4pm derby
• Directions to the 8pm party
• Your friend�s new mobile number

SMS messaging is relatively SPAM free
Unlike e-mail, SMS as it currently stands is relatively SPAM free. Although this may change over the next year or so, at present it is the ideal communication channel to cut through the clutter. As a result, marketing departments worldwide are climbing aboard to try and target their customers in this one-on-one manner that has 'message opening rates' soaring way above any other medium.

An SMS is Discreet
Unlike a phone call you do not have to run out of the restaurant where you are eating to field the call, yet you still know when an SMS has arrived. The discreet nature of text messaging ensures you stay in touch with minimal disturbance.

SMS leads to smaller phone bills
An SMS is far cheaper than a phone call yet in most instances you will convey just as much information as you would have if you had called.