Rover.com Fetches Bandwidth Communications API Platform to Connect Dog Owners and Sitters
Raleigh, North Carolina (PRWEB) March 07, 2016 -- Rover.com, one of Forbes’ Hottest Startups of 2015, today tapped Bandwidth’s Communications Application Program Interface (API) Platform to scale for its fast-growing service that lets dog owners, pet sitters and dog walkers communicate in the ways that are most convenient for them. Bandwidth’s nationwide, carrier-grade network helps Rover to quickly provision anonymous phone numbers that allow pet owners and sitters to communicate without giving away their personal phone numbers.
With Bandwidth, Rover now has access to millions of phone numbers nationwide delivered through simple and flexible APIs. With Bandwidth phone numbers, Rover users can:
- Make voice calls: Rover assigns users an anonymous phone number and users can make calls to check in with their pet sitter, schedule an appointment, etc. using that number on their own mobile phones.
- Send text messages (SMS): Most people today prefer the speed and convenience of text, especially pet owners on the go or busy enjoying their vacation time. Rover makes it easy to communicate via text messaging to set up care times, send updates and more.
- Send picture messages (MMS): Sitters and dog walkers can quickly send photos of pets to owners to show them how much fun their pet is having.
The platform works by equipping Rover users with an anonymous phone number for every booking — and the number stays the same throughout the duration of the sitter-owner relationship.
Founded in 2011, Rover’s initial communication was web-based, and users were notified via email when they had a new message. Rover later added SMS and voice-calling functionality but found that its telecom partner lacked the volume pricing it needed to scale with growing consumer demand.
“One of our highest priorities at Rover is to deliver superior customer service; Bandwidth’s telecom tools allow us provide a convenient mobile experience,” said Philip Kimmey, Co-Founder and Director of Software Development, Rover.com. “SMS enables sitters and pet owners to easily communicate through channels they’re used to. Bandwidth allowed us to scale and meet our growing need with minimal transition costs.”
“Rover is one of today’s fastest-growing and innovative startups. Everyday communication between people is at the core of everything they do — and we’re thrilled to have Rover relying on Bandwidth’s VoIP network and voice and messaging APIs to make it all happen,” said Steve Leonard, Chief Operating Officer, Bandwidth Business Solutions.
To see how other companies and apps have put Bandwidth’s Communications API Platform to work, visit: http://www.bandwidth.com/products/application-platform
About Bandwidth
Bandwidth is among the nation's largest and fastest-growing communication technology companies. The company operates two divisions – business solutions and consumer (Republic Wireless) that share a mission of transforming the communications industry. Across the divisions, Bandwidth provides a full range of communications services, including voice origination, termination and toll free; a full suite of 9-1-1 services; SMS solutions; SIP Trunking; hosted VoIP for SMBs; and a consumer wireless business. Founded in 1999, and a certified CLEC in 49 states, Bandwidth is a profitable company headquartered in Raleigh, NC with a large remote office in Denver, CO and field offices in eight other cities.
About Rover.com
Rover.com connects pet parents with the nation’s largest network of loving and trustworthy pet sitters and dog walkers. Through Rover, pet parents can discover, book, and manage personalized care for their dogs, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home dog boarding, and doggy day care. Founded on the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a dog, Rover improves and simplifies life for pet parents and the dogs they love. By removing common pet care obstacles, Rover ensures dogs nationwide are happy and well cared for even when their owner is away and empowers dog lovers to live fulfilling lives. Services are booked through Rover every minute of every day, and more than 92% of the population lives within a short drive of one of the more 40,000 sitters who’ve listed their services. Over 95% of reviewed stays have received a perfect 5-star rating. The platform offers premium insurance for all services booked through Rover, secure online payments, world-class customer support, vet consultations, a 24/7 team of trust and safety experts, mobile apps, photo and video sharing, and general background checks for sitters.
Adam Novak, PAN Communications, +1 (617) 502-4300, [email protected]
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