AGMC uses HostFront with .NET and SMS

AGMC is the exclusive importer for BMW, MINI, and Rolls Royce for the United Arab Emirates. To improve customer service, AGMC wanted to take advantage of an SMS (Short Messaging Service) system to let their customer service representatives communicate via text messaging to their 25,000 BMW customers.

AGMC wanted to integrate SMS with their auto application that resided on the iSeries platform. They chose Seagull Software's HostFront to provide access between .NET and their iSeries applications. HostFront accesses customer data on the legacy system and passes it to a new .NET, Web application that lets customer service advisors send text messages.

AGMC realized that they needed an IT outsourcing partner for their integration solution. They selected the over other integrators to deliver the solution because of their exposure to both legacy and modern e-business solutions.

Farabi Technology Middle East provided AGMC an SMS application that met their requirements. Along with iSeries integration, the requirement also included integration with a SMPP gateway provided by the local GSM Provider to send SMS.

AGMC representatives can now automate the service process by sending customers service appointment reminders, quotes for repair estimates, and notification when a car is ready to be picked up. Customers can confirm by calling in or by texting back a confirmation code to begin work on their car.

What's more, sales and marketing can now send customers recall notifications, new product announcements, and special promotions directly to their mobile phones. This allows AGMC a simple way to directly impact sales with merely the push of a button.

Integrating between new and Legacy Systems
the application development offered by Farabi is based on industry standard development tools. The Microsoft .NET platform and Microsoft Visual Studio .NET were uses as the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to interact with the iSeries platform. Seagull Software's HostFront Server acts as a bridge between the .NET Framework and iSeries, and providing real-time integration with the iSeries client details for SMS messaging services.

With the implementation of the new solution, 70 AGMC service advisors in seven locations are able to be in touch with approximately 25,000 BMW customers on a day-to-day basis in an efficient, cost effective, and reliable manner. Reports on the application help the higher-level management monitor business activities.