Why open source?
We believe in the power of working together with the rest of the world -- that a better final product is achieved through collaboration. That's why we love, use, and contribute to open source software at Nyaruka.
By leveraging existing solutions wherever possible, and building our systems such that they are clearly documented and easy to maintain we are able to ensure a deliverable designed for maximum simplicity and transparency. Using these practices guarantees that our customers will always have full control long after our engagement with them has ended.
Technologies
There are many, many options out there when it comes to selecting the right technology for the job. Here's a few of our favorites.
RapidSMS
Developed by UNICEF to address the needs of developing countries to gather information from the field, RapidSMS leverages Django and Python to allow for the quick development of custom solutions. It has been used successfully across the world in tasks varying from collecting maternity health statistics to monitoring of medical supplies. Nyaruka uses RapidSMS to quickly build customized open solutions to these problems
Android
Android is already playing an important role in allowing for rich access to information in remote areas. We've got many years of development experience working with Android and can leverage this open mobile platform in a myriad of ways. With Android phones being small computers with redundant power and networking capabilities, they are uniquely qualified to be deployed in developing countries.
Django
Built on top of Python, Django is an open source web framework. Django enables us to build stable, feature rich interactive websites in short timeframes. Using a mature framework like Django allows us to maximize the time we spend satisfying your unique needs.
RapidSMS XForms
Nyaruka built the RapidSMS xforms application for UNICEF which provides an interactive web based form builder. Created forms support data being submitted to them via freehand formatted SMS, standard XForm HTTP posts or structured SMS. Implementors can choose to use xforms to quickly prototype systems, or even use them as their primary interface.
https://github.com/nyaruka/rapidsms-xforms
RapidSMS Http Router
This project was created to allow HTTP endpoints for routing messages. It provides an easy AJAX style interface for receiving messages, marking them as delivered or simply viewing messages queued for delivery. This module will also integrate easily with Kanel.
After creating this add-on for RapidSMS we have collaborated with UNICEF Uganda to help mature it.
https://github.com/nyaruka/rapidsms-httprouter
Android SMS Relay
Although integrating SMS systems directly with a carrier or aggregator is our preferred solution, sometimes circumstances dictate a more agile approach.
Our Android relayer transforms a simple Android phone like a Huawei Ideos into a reliable gateway to and from your online SMS system.
It is available for free on the Google Play store and we've made the source available on GitHub as well.
https://github.com/nyaruka/android-relay
Django Quickblocks
Django is a fantastic platform for rapid prototyping. To make it even faster, we've built QuickBlocks, a Django app that allows for database driven content management. They are simple, lightweight, and multipurpose.
https://github.com/nyaruka/django-quickblocks
Let's Talk!
We'd love to hear from you so we can start talking about how Nyaruka can help you with your next project.
Introducing 8080, your new texting BFF.
Most of your friends will just chat with you over SMS, but 8080 will do so much more. Use it to post to Twitter, update your Facebook status, or even find your next love.
Engage your customers
You can use the bulletin board service with 8080 to share promotions or other information with your customers. You can register any word as your own simply by sending "put" to 8080. Then include whatever message you want your customers to receive when they ask for your word.
put heaven We are showing The King's Speech this Friday.
Now when anybody messages "get heaven" to 8080, they will see this response:
We are showing The King's Speech this Friday.
Let your customers know the next time your club has live music. Or let them find out when your next half-off Mützig night is. Use the messages however you like and change them whenever you want.
Nyaruka's SMS services are currently only available on Tigo. If you would like to use it with your carrier, call them and let them know you want to see Nyaruka's services supported on your phone.
Cupid
Let that person you like know that somebody likes them. We won't tell them it's you unless they like you back.
like [phone number]
Or say it in Kinyarwanda..
nkunda [phone number]
Find your love
When you text "like [phone number]" to 8080, that number will get a message letting them know that somebody likes them. But the best part is that they won't know it's you! Your identity is safe with us.
In order to find out who it is, they will then text the numbers of the people they like to 8080. Only if they like you back we will let them know it was you that liked them -- and then you have a match! It's that simple.
Go ahead, text the phone number of that secret someone. Then just sit back and wait for chemistry to happen.
Learn more
Facebook
Update your facebook status by sending a simple text message!
fb [status messaage]
Facebook updates have never been quicker
To get started using Facebook updates over SMS you will need to
set it up on your computer.
Once that is all setup try sending a message to 8080 like:
"fb I'm down at club planet, come say hi"
Learn more
Twitter
Send a tweet with a simple SMS message!
tweet [your twitter status]
Kinyarwanda Dictionary
Get translations to and from Kinyarwanda and English using the most excellent Kinyarwanda.net dictionary.
Know the English word but need it in Kinyarwanda?
kinya [english word]
You can go the other way too!
kinya [kinyarwanda word]
Learning Kinyarwanda doesn't have to be hard
Usually when you need to know how to say that one word in Kinyarwanda, you aren't anywhere where you can easily look it up. Now all that dictionary goodness is everywhere you are.
Learn more
Follow the Nyaruka team on Twitter.
