Configure SMS notifications in Zuzia.app using VONAGE integration for critical alerts. Setup phone numbers, configure delivery rules, and test SMS delivery.

Last updated: 2025-11-30

SMS Notifications Integration

Are you looking to receive SMS notifications for critical server issues, website downtime, or urgent monitoring alerts? Need to configure SMS delivery via VONAGE, set up phone numbers for on-call team members, and ensure reliable SMS notifications? This comprehensive guide shows you how to configure SMS notifications in Zuzia.app, integrate with VONAGE, set up phone numbers, configure SMS delivery rules, and ensure reliable SMS notifications for critical alerts.

Why SMS Notifications Matter

SMS notifications are essential for critical alerts that require immediate attention, especially when team members are away from computers or email. When configured properly, SMS notifications ensure urgent alerts reach on-call team members immediately, enabling rapid response to critical issues.

SMS notifications provide:

Immediate delivery: SMS messages are delivered instantly to mobile devices
High visibility: SMS notifications are hard to miss on mobile devices
Reliable delivery: SMS delivery is more reliable than email for urgent alerts
On-call support: Perfect for on-call team members who need immediate alerts
Backup notification: SMS serves as backup when email isn't accessible
Critical alerts: Ideal for critical issues requiring immediate response

How SMS Notifications Work in Zuzia.app

Zuzia.app integrates with VONAGE (formerly Nexmo) to send SMS notifications. SMS notifications are sent for critical alerts when configured, ensuring urgent issues reach team members immediately via their mobile phones.

SMS Notification Flow

Alert Triggered: Critical monitoring alert is triggered
SMS Sent: Zuzia.app sends SMS via VONAGE integration
SMS Delivered: SMS is delivered to configured phone numbers
Team Notified: On-call team members receive SMS immediately
Response Initiated: Team can respond quickly to critical issues

When SMS Notifications Are Sent

SMS notifications are typically configured for:

Critical server issues: Server downtime or critical failures
Website unavailability: Website completely unavailable
SSL certificate expiration: Certificate expired or expiring soon
Security incidents: Critical security issues detected
Service failures: Critical services stopped or failing
Emergency situations: Any alert marked as critical

Setting Up SMS Notifications

Setting up SMS notifications involves configuring VONAGE integration and phone numbers.

Step 1: Configure VONAGE Account

Create VONAGE Account
- Sign up for VONAGE account if you don't have one
- Complete account verification process
- Obtain VONAGE API credentials
- Verify account is active and funded
Get VONAGE Credentials
- Log in to VONAGE dashboard
- Navigate to API settings
- Copy API key and API secret
- Store credentials securely
Configure VONAGE in Zuzia.app
- Log in to Zuzia.app dashboard
- Navigate to Settings or Notifications section
- Click on "SMS Notifications" or "VONAGE Integration"
- Enter VONAGE API key and API secret
- Test VONAGE connection

Step 2: Configure Phone Numbers

Set up phone numbers for SMS notifications:

Add Phone Numbers
- Enter phone numbers for on-call team members
- Use international format (e.g., +1234567890)
- Verify phone number format is correct
- Add multiple phone numbers for team coverage
Verify Phone Numbers
- Send test SMS to verify phone numbers
- Confirm SMS is received correctly
- Verify phone numbers are active
- Update phone numbers if team changes
Configure Phone Number Groups
- Create groups for different alert types
- Assign phone numbers to groups
- Configure escalation phone numbers
- Set up on-call rotation phone numbers

Step 3: Configure SMS Alert Rules

Set up rules for when SMS notifications should be sent:

Alert Severity
- Configure SMS for critical alerts only
- Set severity threshold for SMS (e.g., critical only)
- Avoid SMS for non-critical alerts to prevent spam
- Use SMS as escalation for unresolved critical issues
Alert Types
- Choose which alert types trigger SMS
- Configure SMS for server downtime
- Set up SMS for website unavailability
- Enable SMS for SSL certificate expiration
Delivery Rules
- Configure quiet hours to reduce SMS during off-hours
- Set up escalation rules for persistent issues
- Configure SMS rate limiting to prevent spam
- Set up SMS delivery confirmation

SMS Notification Best Practices

Follow these best practices for effective SMS notifications:

Phone Number Management

Use dedicated numbers: Use dedicated phone numbers for monitoring alerts
Verify numbers regularly: Regularly verify phone numbers are active
Update on-call rotation: Update phone numbers when on-call rotation changes
Test SMS delivery: Regularly test SMS delivery to ensure it works

Alert Configuration

Limit to critical alerts: Only send SMS for truly critical alerts
Avoid alert fatigue: Don't configure too many SMS alerts
Use escalation: Use SMS as escalation for unresolved critical issues
Configure quiet hours: Set quiet hours to reduce non-urgent SMS

Team Coordination

Share phone numbers: Ensure team members share on-call phone numbers
Set up rotation: Configure phone number rotation for on-call coverage
Document procedures: Document how team should respond to SMS alerts
Monitor SMS delivery: Monitor SMS delivery success rates

Troubleshooting SMS Notifications

If SMS notifications aren't working, check these common issues:

SMS Not Received

Verify phone number: Ensure phone number is correct and in international format
Check VONAGE account: Verify VONAGE account is active and funded
Review alert configuration: Ensure alerts are configured to send SMS
Check phone carrier: Verify phone carrier supports SMS delivery

SMS Delivery Delays

Check VONAGE status: Verify VONAGE service status
Review network connectivity: Ensure Zuzia.app can reach VONAGE API
Check phone carrier: Verify phone carrier isn't blocking SMS
Review rate limits: Check if SMS rate limits are being exceeded

VONAGE Integration Issues

Verify credentials: Ensure VONAGE API credentials are correct
Check account status: Verify VONAGE account is active
Review API limits: Check VONAGE API usage limits
Contact support: If issues persist, contact Zuzia.app or VONAGE support

FAQ: Common Questions About SMS Notifications

How much do SMS notifications cost?

SMS notification costs depend on VONAGE pricing and your usage. Check VONAGE pricing for current SMS rates. Zuzia.app doesn't charge additional fees for SMS notifications.

Can I configure SMS for all alerts?

While technically possible, it's recommended to configure SMS only for critical alerts to avoid SMS spam and high costs. Use email or webhooks for non-critical alerts.

How quickly are SMS notifications sent?

SMS notifications are sent immediately when critical alerts are triggered. Delivery time depends on VONAGE and phone carrier, typically within seconds.

Can I use SMS notifications without VONAGE?

Currently, Zuzia.app SMS notifications require VONAGE integration. Alternative SMS providers may be supported in the future.

What phone number formats are supported?

Zuzia.app supports international phone number format (e.g., +1234567890). Include country code and ensure phone number is in correct format.

To set up comprehensive monitoring with SMS alerts, see:
- Automated Server Monitoring Setup
- Website Uptime Monitoring Guide
For other notification methods, see:
- Email Notifications Integration
- Webhook Notifications Integration
For critical alert scenarios, see:
- Website Unavailable or Down
- High CPU Usage on Server

SMS Notifications Integration