Announcement on message communication commercialization
To enhance the message communication service and help manage daily device messaging costs, the platform is upgrading the service to a commercial model. This document explains the details of this upgrade.
Introduction to message communication commercialization
Activation code messages
When you purchase an activation code for a standard (non-video) device, you receive a daily quota of 100 upstream messages per device. This quota becomes active 90 days after the product enters mass production and is valid for three years. After the quota expires, purchase a message package from the platform to ensure the device can continue to report data and function correctly.
Message package value
If the default message quota included with the activation code is insufficient for your device's needs, purchase a message package. A message package provides an additional quota for upstream messages to ensure your device functions correctly.
When the default message quota from the activation code expires, purchase a message package to replenish the quota for upstream messages. This ensures your device can continue to operate.
Message package billing
Message communication is billed based on the scenario. Message packages are valid for one year from the date of purchase. For more information about message package specifications and billing rules, see Message communication billing.
Message package overview
The platform now includes a Message Package Overview feature. This feature lets you view device message quotas, use a calculator to help purchase message packages, and manage notifications for expiring messages.
View device messages
To help developers understand device usage, the platform lets you view detailed data such as the number of active devices from the previous day, device message quotas, and a message package summary. For more information, see How to view device messages.
Calculate and purchase message packages
To help developers purchase the correct number of message packages, the platform provides a helper calculator. The calculator suggests the number of message packages to purchase. This suggestion is for reference only.
For more information, see How to calculate and purchase message packages.
Manage expiration notifications
To prevent service interruptions when your message quota expires, the platform provides an expiration reminder feature. You can configure a recipient mailbox promptly. The platform will send a reminder email to this mailbox before your quota expires. For more information, see Manage message notifications.
Special products
In the Message Package Overview, go to Select Project > Select Product. If the system indicates that your product is a special product, contact our business team. You should also contact us if your product has special message quota requirements, such as photovoltaic inverters, robot vacuums, or gateway devices. Email us at: livinglink@service.alibaba.com.
Impact on existing devices
For existing non-Bluetooth devices that have been in mass production for less than three years: Starting February 22, 2024, upstream messages from these devices will be limited. The limit aligns with the billing rule, which is based on the device's historical message volume during mass production.
For existing non-Bluetooth devices that have been in mass production for more than three years: Starting February 22, 2024, upstream messages from these devices will be gradually rate-limited down to zero.