One part of Taykt.com which I've not spoken much about is the web hooks facility built in.  It means you can write applications which are prodded when a text message arrives, giving you a chance to decide how you want to reply.  I can't think of an easier way get up and running with a SMS-based application: if you can write a web app, you can handle SMS, and you can do it without having to get out a credit card.

To fix the problem of keeping this so quiet, we've documented what we have at Assembla and started to pull together examples. There's a simple echo example (responding to a text message with what was texted in), but I have in my mind plans for other examples.  My favourite would be to see The Internet Oracle implemented, although I also have a soft spot for Eliza and information services... the Taykt.com blog is collecting together ideas for how Taykt.com can be used.

We've also set up a RESTful API for managing accounts, trying to follow as much of the best practices as possible. But I think the web hooks part of the product is the most useful part to just be able to create something and have it running live.

The approach we're taking with our messaging services looks to be very similar to the approach the BBC are using. This is a nice reassurance given that the BBC team have to deal with breakfast radio stars who get their audience to text in 14,000 message at once.

You can get the audio on-line, but you'll also want the presentation (7M PDF) to look at. It's great work, and well presented.