All web services methods in the platform API require an access key to successfully complete a function call. Keys are allocated to partner companies by Phone Sherpa and uniquely identify each partner’s usage of the platform. It is important to keep this key private; usage charges are tracked based on the access key. Additionally, abuse and fraudulent end user harassment (sms spam, unfulfilled content delivery) associated with a key may result in disabling key access.

Certain web service methods incur a usage charge when successfully called. A credit system is used to track charges, with the value of a credit determined by your Phone Sherpa service agreement. Pre-pay customers pay upfront for a credit pool that is deducted over time as the API is used. High volume partners can elect to post-pay for access and are invoiced monthly for metered API usage during the prior month. The following APIs incur credit charges per use:

1. ResolveContentHandle(…) (1 Credit)
2. PublishContent(…) (1 Credit)
3. SendContentToPhone(…) (2 Credits)

Developers evaluating the platform are allocated a pool of credits upon registration for a WSAccessKey with Phone Sherpa. This allows for adequate development and testing of solutions built on the platform without accruing charges.

Contact bizdev@phonesherpa.com to register for access to the platform and information on bulk rate credit packages.