When we look back at just how far the initial concept of messaging has evolved (think of SMS and BBM) it’s hardly surprising that businesses and customers alike now consider messaging a fundamental communication tool.
As the landscape of messaging grows, businesses must look at how to incorporate messaging services into core processes within their organisations to enhance and unlock new efficiencies, whether it be to boost productivity, enable interdepartmental communication or promote business growth.
One such impressive messaging tool you may have overlooked is Telegram messenger.
Launched in 2013, the messaging service has a staggering number of active users, 200 million monthly users to be exact.
According to its CEO, as of April 2017:
Telegram’s annual growth rate was greater than 50%.
Simply put, Telegram Messenger is a messaging app that works over the internet, just like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Telegram has proven that it is a solid competitor to WhatsApp and has been gaining popularity due to its powerful features.
To see how the apps compare, below are some of the few key features offered by both services:
• Telegram and WhatsApp allow the sharing of images and video, in addition to text messages, but the former has additional features.
• Telegram has full multi-device support and is available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. The app also boasts cloud sync features on permanent server storage.
• This means users can install and use the Telegram desktop client without having the app installed on their smartphone, and chats and settings are automatically backed up to the app’s servers.
• When users migrate devices, their Telegram chats and settings can be automatically downloaded onto their new device – regardless of platform.
• Unlike Telegram, WhatsApp requires users to manually set up cloud backups and does not support migration from Android to iOS.
• WhatsApp also only allows groups of up to 256 members, while Telegram supports groups of up to 3,000 users. Telegram also features channels and bots, allowing users to create powerful customised chat rooms.
• Telegram app integrations are also open source, which allows developers to add Telegram support to their own apps.
• Both applications allow you to delete sent messages, while Telegram also allows you to edit sent messages.
Source: https://mybroadband.co.za/news/software/241674-whatsapp-vs-telegram-features-and-security.html
Another Great Solution! Telegram Messenger and it’s Bot System Integration
June 2015 saw the launch of Telegram’s platform for third-party developers to create bots. These bots are Telegram accounts operated by programs and they can respond to messages or mentions, can be invited into groups as well as be integrated into other programs.
In essence, bots are simply Telegram accounts operated by software – not people – and they’ll often have AI features. They can do anything – teach, play, search, broadcast, remind, connect, integrate with other services, or even pass commands to the Internet of Things.
In large part, users will not have to type anything, because the bots will provide them with a set of custom buttons. Instead of typing, Telegram’s Bots can provide users with custom keyboards for specialized tasks.
Having this chatbot functionality instantly creates a more responsive and dynamic method of communicating.
This is at the core of what we at hi.guru do and constantly strive for. We want businesses and their customers to have richer, better, more responsive conversations using AI Powered customisable chatbots.
hi.guru has adopted Telegram Messenger as a viable channel of communication for businesses and their customers and by utilising our powerful AI capabilities and integrating them with Telegram, you as a business can stay ahead of the curve by having a tool to expertly and speedily converse with your customers.