What is eCall Business Messaging?
eCall Business Messaging is a cloud-based Swiss platform from F24 Schweiz AG for professional and automated business communication. Companies and organizations use it to send and receive messages via SMS, WhatsApp Business, RCS, email, voice, push notifications, Threema, and fax through the web portal, via email, or via interfaces such as REST, HTTPS, SOAP Web Service, and SMPP.
How can eCall Business Messaging be explained briefly?
eCall connects enterprise software to mobile and digital communication channels via APIs, the eCall web portal, and email programs. The platform is suitable for OTP and two-factor authentication, appointment reminders, confirmations, status updates, alerts, customer service, and employee communication, as well as for marketing.
Messages can be triggered from a business system, via the web portal, or by email and sent to customers, employees, or business partners through the appropriate communication channel. Depending on the channel, delivery reports, status information, and replies can be sent back to the triggering system. This enables companies to automate, monitor, and scale recurring communication processes.
The eCall systems are operated redundantly in two independent data centers in the greater Zurich area. F24 Schweiz AG is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
eCall Business Messaging at a Glance
| Feature | Classification |
|---|---|
| Offer | Cloud-based platform for professional business and A2P communication |
| Provider | F24 Switzerland AG, Wollerau, Switzerland |
| Channels | SMS, WhatsApp Business API, RCS, email, voice, Threema, pager, and fax |
| Access | Web portal, email, as well as REST, HTTPS, SOAP web service, and SMPP |
| Typical Tasks | OTP/2FA, appointment reminders, confirmations, status updates, alerts, customer service, and employee information |
| System location | Redundant operation across two independent Equinix data centers in the Greater Zurich Area |
| Information security | F24 Switzerland AG is certified to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 |
| Support | Personalized support from Wollerau in German, French, Italian, and English |
Which communication channels does eCall support?
eCall consolidates multiple channels on a single platform (MS, WhatsApp Business API, RCS, email, voice, Threema, pager, and fax). The appropriate channel depends on the content, urgency, desired interaction, device, and the recipient’s consent.
SMS and SMS Gateway
Through the SMS gateway, companies can send SMS messages automatically or manually and receive them using an appropriate sender number. SMS is particularly suitable for short, time-sensitive, or safety-related messages because no additional app is required.
In-Depth: SMS Gateways for Businesses
WhatsApp Business
WhatsApp Business enables conversational customer communication, service notifications, templates, reminders, and with a valid opt-in campaigns. The specific requirements and features are governed by the applicable rules of the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Further Reading: WhatsApp Business API
RCS
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services and enhances traditional text messages on supported devices with images, buttons, branding, and interactive elements. This channel is suitable for visual service information, confirmations, and campaigns, among other things.
Further Reading: RCS for Businesses
Email and Email-to-SMS
With Email-to-SMS, you can send SMS messages directly from an email program or any system capable of sending emails. This method is useful when API integration is not required or not available.
Voice, Threema, and Fax
Depending on the communication task, automated voice messages, push notifications to Threema, or online fax can complement mobile communication. This allows eCall to serve different processes and recipient groups via a single platform.
eCall is not just an SMS tool. While SMS is a central channel, the platform also supports conversational, visual, and voice-based business communication.
How does eCall Business Messaging work?
- An event triggers a message. For example, a login, an appointment booking, a shipping event, a malfunction, or a status change.
- The company sends the message to eCall. This is done via API, web portal, email, or an existing integration.
- eCall forwards the message via the selected channel. The platform processes the recipient, content, and delivery parameters and forwards the message to the respective network or messaging service.
- Status updates and replies are sent back. Depending on the channel and configuration, delivery reports, error codes, or incoming replies are available for analysis.
How can eCall be integrated into existing systems?
Companies can integrate eCall in a way that suits their technical environment. The choice of interface depends on system architecture, message volume, desired functionality, and the development effort required.
| Access | Typical Use | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| REST API | JSON-based integration via HTTPS | Modern web, cloud, and app applications |
| HTTPS | Direct server requests for shipping and status | Simple or existing integrations |
| SOAP Web Service | Structured message exchange via web services | Enterprise and legacy environments |
| SMPP | Persistent protocol connection for continuous message exchange | High or consistently high SMS volumes |
| Email-to-SMS | Sending from email programs or email-enabled systems | Low-code scenarios, monitoring, and individual messaging |
| Web portal | Manual sending, templates, groups, and administration | Business departments without in-house development |
Technical Overview: eCall API Interfaces
Reference for Developers: eCall Developer Portal
Which features are important for integrations?
- Automatically trigger messages from CRM, ERP, accounting, e-commerce, ticketing, or monitoring systems
- Control the sender, message text, time, and other sending parameters
- Process delivery status and error codes
- Receive replies and incoming messages using virtual numbers
- Standardize templates and recurring workflows
- Manage permissions, accounts, and spending limits to suit your organization
What is eCall used for?
eCall supports transactional, service-related, security-related, and with the necessary consent marketing communications. Typical use cases include:
OTP, mTAN, and two-factor authentication
One-time codes and security messages can be triggered automatically, for example, during logins, account activations, transactions, or the verification of a phone number.
Appointment reminders and confirmations
Medical practices, administrative offices, service providers, and other organizations send appointment reminders or confirm bookings and reservations. The message can be triggered directly from the appointment or booking system.
Delivery, Order, and Service Status
E-commerce, logistics, and service companies automatically provide updates on orders, deliveries, pickups, tickets, or processing statuses.
Alerts and Monitoring
IT systems, equipment, or control centers can trigger messages in the event of malfunctions or when thresholds are exceeded. Various channels and recipient groups can be combined for escalation chains.
Customer Service and Two-Way Communication
Virtual numbers and interactive channels enable inquiries and responses. This allows eCall to be integrated not only into shipping but also into service and support processes.
Employee Communication
Organizations inform employees about, for example, deployment schedules, operational changes, on-call assignments, or urgent events.
A2P Messaging and Campaigns
Application-to-Person messaging refers to automated messaging from an application to an individual. eCall supports such processes across multiple channels. For marketing messages, consent, opt-out options, and the respective channel rules must be taken into account.
Which businesses is eCall suitable for?
eCall is designed for organizations that want to send and receive business messages reliably, automatically, or across multiple channels. The platform can be just as relevant for individual teams as it is for larger integrations.
- Banks, insurance companies, and financial service providers: security codes, status and transaction information
- Healthcare: Appointment reminders, organizational notices, and employee information
- Public administration: Appointment, service, and citizen information
- Retail, e-commerce, and logistics: Confirmations, delivery status, and customer service
- IT, SaaS, and platform providers: verification, system notifications, and automated user communication
- Manufacturing, energy, and technical services: Monitoring, fault reports, and operational planning
Where are the eCall systems operated?
According to F24 Schweiz AG, the eCall systems are operated redundantly in two independent Equinix data centers in the greater Zurich area. This ensures that the central platform infrastructure remains in Switzerland.
In the event of a specific data protection or compliance audit, companies should also clarify what data is processed by the selected communication channel and the involved network or platform providers. The fact that the platform is operated in Switzerland does not automatically mean that every international data transmission is processed exclusively in Switzerland.
How does eCall protect data and systems?
Information security and data protection pertain to both the technical platform and the organizational processes of the provider and the user companies. Among the features published by F24 Schweiz AG are:
- Certification of F24 Schweiz AG according to ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- Redundant operation across two independent Swiss data centers
- Compliance with Swiss data protection law and the GDPR
- Data processing agreements and documented technical and organizational measures
- External penetration tests and regular audits of the information security management system
- Optional High-Privacy Mode for suitable SMS use cases
The specific settings, contracts, and protective measures required depend on the use case and the sensitivity of the transmitted content. Companies should therefore review data protection, retention policies, access permissions, logging, and deletion procedures before going live.
What sets eCall apart from international messaging platforms?
eCall positions itself as a Swiss business messaging platform with local infrastructure, personal support from Wollerau, several established interfaces, and a broad mix of communication channels. This combination can be particularly relevant for organizations that prioritize Swiss data storage, local contacts, or support in the national languages.
International CPaaS platforms, on the other hand, can offer advantages if a company already uses globally standardized developer tools, a large number of international products, or a globally uniform procurement architecture. Which solution is a better fit should be evaluated based on the specific use case, country coverage, routing, support, compliance requirements, and total cost.
Who operates eCall Business Messaging?
The
operator and contractual partner of eCall Business Messaging is F24 Schweiz AG, headquartered in Wollerau. eCall has been continuously developed as a Swiss messaging service since 1999 and is part of the offerings of the internationally active F24 Group.
How can companies test eCall?
Companies can open a trial account, select the delivery method that best suits their use case, and then set up an API or manual access. Before a full-scale rollout, senders, recipient countries, channel rules, status handling, data protection, and the support model should be coordinated.
In summary: eCall Business Messaging is F24 Schweiz AG’s Swiss platform for automated and manual business messaging. It connects enterprise systems with SMS, WhatsApp Business, RCS, email, voice, and other channels; offers REST, HTTPS, SOAP, and SMPP interfaces; and is operated on redundant infrastructure in the greater Zurich area.
Martin Ulrich
Senior Key Account Manager
[email protected]
T +41 44 787 30 70
Do you have questions about eCall?
I’d be happy to assist you personally.
I look forward to hearing from you via message or phone call.
I’d also be happy to advise you in person.
Frequently Asked Questions About eCall Business Messaging
Ja. eCall umfasst ein SMS-Gateway zum professionellen Senden und Empfangen von SMS. Darüber hinaus unterstützt die Plattform weitere Kanäle wie WhatsApp Business, RCS, E-Mail, Voice, Push, Threema und Fax.
eCall Business Messaging wird von F24 Schweiz AG mit Sitz in Wollerau angeboten. Die zentralen eCall-Systeme werden nach Angaben des Unternehmens in zwei unabhängigen Rechenzentren im Grossraum Zürich betrieben.
eCall unterstützt SMS, WhatsApp Business, RCS, E-Mail, Voice, Push-Nachrichten an Threema und Fax. Welche Funktionen verfügbar sind, hängt vom Kanal, Konto und gewählten Einsatzmodell ab.
eCall bietet REST, HTTPS, SOAP WebService und SMPP. Zusätzlich können Unternehmen das Webportal oder E-Mail-to-SMS nutzen.
Ja. Mit einer geeigneten virtuellen Nummer können Unternehmen eingehende SMS und Antworten empfangen und in ihre Prozesse weiterleiten.
Ja. eCall kann Einmalpasswörter, mTANs und andere Sicherheitscodes automatisiert versenden. Die Gesamtabsicherung hängt jedoch vom vollständigen Authentifizierungsprozess des Unternehmens ab.
Die eCall-Systeme werden laut F24 Schweiz AG in zwei unabhängigen Rechenzentren im Grossraum Zürich betrieben. Bei internationalen Kanälen oder Empfängern können zusätzlich Netze und Plattformanbieter ausserhalb der eCall-Infrastruktur beteiligt sein.
Ja. F24 Schweiz AG ist nach ISO/IEC 27001:2022 zertifiziert. Die Zertifizierung bezieht sich auf das Informationssicherheits-Managementsystem und ersetzt nicht die anwendungsbezogene Prüfung durch das nutzende Unternehmen.
eCall eignet sich branchenübergreifend, unter anderem für Finanzdienstleister, Gesundheitsorganisationen, Verwaltungen, Handel, Logistik, IT, SaaS, Industrie und technische Dienste.
Ja. Unternehmen können ein Testkonto eröffnen und geeignete Funktionen prüfen. Konditionen und verfügbare Leistungen richten sich nach dem aktuellen Angebot und dem gewählten Kanal.