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Blog | WhatsApp |

6 min read

WhatsApp Business Vs WhatsApp Business Platform: A Guide to Picking the Best Solution for You

by | Apr 3, 2023

With technology advancements and the surge of online transactions arises the risk of cyberattacks such as phishing and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Did you know that weak passwords cause 81% of all data breaches? Given the growing need for enhancing online security measures, One Time Password (OTP) has emerged as a simple and smart choice for individuals and organizations looking to beef up their online security. What is OTP (One Time Password)? A one time Password is a password or code that is automatically generated and sent to a digital device to allow a single login session or transaction. Also known as a One-time, PIN, one-time authorization code (OTAC), One-Time-Pass Code, or dynamic password, OTP mitigates several risks of traditional static password-based authentication. OTPs are randomly generated numeric codes to authenticate login attempts and transactions. The unique codes are difficult to guess, adding a strong layer of security for each authentication event. OTP verification plays a critical role in 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) solutions implemented by leading financial service providers and government institutions to ensure the highest level of security for customer transactions. OTP security codes have become a popular method of enabling a single login to validate a new account or confirm a legitimate transaction. OTPs consist of numbers or a string of characters automatically generated and delivered to the user's devices by SMS, Voice, Email, or Push messages. How are OTPs Better than Traditional Passwords? Enterprise systems need more than static passwords to protect sensitive data. Standalone passwords can result in exposed data since they cannot effectively verify if the user trying to access data is authentic or a cyber threat actor. According to Forrester, about 80 percent of security breaches are due to compromised privileged credentials. Unfortunately, traditional passwords are not enough to account for the human element that causes most breaches globally due to weak or stolen passwords. OTPs are far more secure than static passwords because they typically expire after a short period. Unlike traditional passwords that one can use for months without changing, you can use OTP codes only once. OPT verification involves secure technology that ensures that only the authorized person can access data or an account. You can ensure login verification by sending One-Time Passcodes (OTPs) to a user's phone number. By confirming deliverability to the right user, you can prevent malicious attacks by bots and hackers. In addition, businesses that require highly secure solutions use a combination of OTPs and passwords to minimize the risk of fraudulent activities. How is an OTP generated? A One Time Password is usually a six-digit number sent to a user's device via SMS message, email, or voice message. An OTP platform involves an authentication server, which verifies the information a user enters and prompts for a code. The OTP authentication server generates and sends the OTP code to the user. Then, the authentication server verifies the OTP entered by the user and authenticates the transaction or account login. OTP values are generated using the Hashed Message Authentication Code (HMAC) algorithm and a moving factor. The two common types of OTPs are Hash-based OTPs (HOTP) and Time-based OTPs (TOTP). HOTP: Uses the counter as a moving factor The counter is incremented after code generation Codes expire after use or a new OTP request Codes cannot be used more than once Also called event-based OTPs TOTP: Uses time as a moving factor OTP values have timestamps such as exact minute and second Valid only for a certain period Codes expire after use or after a set amount of time (typically within minutes) Also called Time Synchronized OTP How is an OTP Sent? SMS is the most common way of delivering OTPs due to the easy accessibility on mobile phones. However, there are other ways to send OTPs, such as voicemails, push messages, and emails. SMS OTP When a user attempts a transaction or login, an OTP is sent as an SMS message to the mobile phone on the number linked to their account. Once the user then keys in the code, the authentication server verifies the user. Since SMS OTP does not require an internet connection and can be sent to all mobile phones, it is a popular OTP delivery method. Moreover, since mobile phones generally need an unlock code, text OTPs add an additional layer of security. Although SMS is not intended to be an instant messaging platform, mobile networks worldwide can deliver a text message to recipients in just a few seconds. SMS messages are hence a widely used method to send one time passwords. Voice OTP Voice OTP involves pre-recorded messages with unique codes played over a phone call. Once the user enters the code in the voicemail, the server verifies the user, completing the authentication process. Voice OTPs are especially helpful for users with sight issues. Moreover, since the password is not stored on the user's mobile phone, it can be highly secure. Voice OTP is an excellent alternative to SMS codes and can be a fallback for SMS OTPs. Push OTP Push OTP delivery involves sending a unique code as a push message to the user's app. Push notification does not require a mobile signal and can be sent to phones with an internet/data connection. Furthermore, since push messages can only be received by the user already logged into the app, it is a secure way to deliver OTPs. What are the Benefits of One-Time Passwords? More Secure OTP PINs are simple yet complex, making them practically impossible to hack. Moreover, they are highly secure since they are unpredictable and not stored on a computer. The primary benefit of OTPs compared to standalone passwords is that they are safe from replay attacks. For example, if a cyber threat actor gets hold of your OTP, they cannot use it again because it is valid only for a single session. For the next login attempt or transaction, a new, random OTP is generated. Easy to Use One-time codes are standard practice for everything from activating a bank card to resetting a password. Most people own a mobile phone, and SMS is available on all devices. Because SMS is so common, one-time passwords are convenient to use. Highly Reliable OTPs sent through reliable channels such as SMS and voice are typically delivered in minutes or less. If a user does not receive OTP on time, they can request another OTP, and the authentication server attempts to resend the OTP for verification. Multiple Verification Tasks OTP (One-Time Passwords) are pretty common in the financial industry, but they are increasingly becoming more prevalent on several websites and applications to authenticate legitimate access to data. OTPs can be used to reset forgotten passwords, complete a transaction, sign up or log into accounts, and verify online purchases. OTP also helps reduce friction in the customer journey. For example, lost/forgotten passwords can lead to dropoffs, and OTPs can help users quickly regain access to their accounts. Moreover, SMS and Voice OTP can help users complete authentication on their mobile devices, avoiding the risks of using public computers with unsecured Wi-Fi connections. Enable Secure Customer Access with Kaleyra’s Verification Tool With Kaleyra’ s robust verification tool, you can ensure the highest level of security for your customers. Safeguard your business against fraud and earn customer trust by securing access to your platform. Gain strategic insights on our user-friendly dashboard by viewing the OTPs generated and their usage status. Enable instant verification with Kaleyra’s Verify API and enhance your security with our scalable integration.

Your business messaging strategy can pretty much make or break your business in the current economic climate. An effective way to outshine your competitors is to use a communication channel that efficiently conveys your business’s offerings and values to your customers. The global reach and advanced features of WhatsApp make it an obvious choice for real-time customer communication. WhatsApp Business Vs WhatsApp Business platform – If you’re wondering which better suits your business, we’ve got you covered.

Before we break down the similarities and differences between the two WhatsApp offerings, let’s look at a few compelling stats that make a case for the instant messaging platform.  

  • 64% of users reported that WhatsApp helps foster a personal connection to businesses.  
  • Moreover, 68% of users consider WhatsApp the easiest way to reach a business. 
  • 83% of users contact a business using messaging platforms like WhatsApp Business, and 75% complete the purchase. 

Now, let’s look at what the two distinct WhatsApp business solutions are all about. 

What is the WhatsApp Business App? 

The WhatsApp Business app is a free-to-use messaging app primarily catering to the needs of small businesses. It’s a step above the WhatsApp messenger app that’s for personal use and 1:1 conversations with family and friends. 

The WhatsApp business app includes several useful tools and is better than the Messenger app for business messaging.  

Here’s what you can do with the Business app:   

  • Establish a professional presence with a business profile that includes essential information about your business

     

  • Provide a digital catalog to showcase your products and services

     

  • Automate communication with quick replies

     

  • Engage 24/7 with automated away messages

     

  • Categorize messages with labels, making it easier to sort and respond to them

What is WhatsApp Business Platform?

The WhatsApp Business platform (also known as WhatsApp Business API) is essentially for medium, large, and enterprise businesses that want to communicate with customers at scale. Using the platform’s advanced capabilities, you can proactively interact with customers, send personalized messages, and foster meaningful connections. 

The WhatsApp Business platform allows businesses to connect customers to thousands of agents and bots for maximum engagement. Moreover, you can streamline processes by integrating the platform’s APIs with business systems, including CRM, marketing automation, and payment solutions. 

Here’s what you can do with the WhatsApp Business platform:  

  • Implement conversational messaging through customized templates

     

  • Optimize workflows at scale with countless integrations

     

  • Leverage WhatsApp automation for better issue resolution and customer engagement

     

  • Reduce reliance on customer service agents and speed up customer service with chatbots

     

  • Drive conversions with interactive CTAs and rich media

WhatsApp Business vs WhatsApp Business Platform

What is the Difference Between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business Platform? Let’s take a look.

WA Business vs WA Business Platform

Can WhatsApp Business API and App be on the Same Phone Number?

No. You cannot have WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business Platform on the same phone number.

However, if you want to use a phone number already registered with the WhatsApp Business App, make sure to back up your chat history. Also note that after migrating a phone number to the WhatsApp Business Platform, you cannot concurrently use the same number on the WhatsApp Business App. 

How to Move from WhatsApp Business App to WhatsApp Business Platform? 

If you have a WhatsApp Business app and are planning to use the WhatsApp Business platform, you can choose to create a business account with a Business Solution Provider (BSP) such as Kaleyra. With BSPs, you need not worry about setting up any infrastructure. Instead, you can effortlessly create an account using the embedded signup (recommended) or on behalf of (OBO) onboarding method, and the BSP will take care of the rest. 

The embedded signup feature lets you register directly for the WhatsApp Business Platform from the BSP’s website. The feature significantly accelerates and simplifies your onboarding process. With embedded signup, you will own your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) and share access with BSP to help you manage your accounts. Your businesses can message customers immediately after without waiting for a Business verification and display name review. 

You need a valid phone number dedicated to the WhatsApp Business Platform. The phone number for your WABA should be owned by you and have a country & area code. Moreover, the phone number cannot be a short code and must be able to receive SMS or voice calls. While comparing WhatsApp Business vs WhatsApp Business Platform and choosing the Business Platform consider the above points before migrating the phone number.

Build Outstanding Conversational Experiences with Kaleyra

The WhatsApp Business Platform helps you unleash the power of WhatsApp APIs to connect with millions of customers at a time. Kaleyra lets you leverage the platform’s advanced capabilities to transform the way you connect with customers. You can effortlessly send bulk messages to customers worldwide using WhatsApp Campaign and get delivery status reports on the Kaleyra platform. Moreover, you can seamlessly integrate WhatsApp with your existing technology stack, such as CRM, ticketing systems, wallet solutions, knowledge base, or a bot platform to maximize your business’s reach and engagement.

 

     

     

    Kalaivani Narayanan

    Kalaivani Narayanan

    Content Specialist

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