Direct carrier billing company Fortumo has launched a global messaging platform to enhance the company's products, according to a press release. 

The platform will give merchants the ability to reach consumers through messaging in more than 100 countries.

"Fortumo has substantial experience in managing messaging for bundling, payments and user retention on behalf of some of the largest digital content merchants," said Andrei Dementjev, Fortumo COO, in the release. "Giving all merchants access to messaging creates additional opportunities of growth for them. It’s a logical step in helping our customers accelerate their expansion into emerging markets."

Fortumo's messaging platform gives merchants a global communication channel to their customers for authentication, payment notifications and reminders as well as promotional messaging.

Key features of the platform include:

• Turnkey launch capability of worldwide SMS messaging
• Can be used stand-alone, or combined with bundling and payment solutions
• Direct connectivity to carriers for high speeds and deliverability
• Pay-as-you-go model with no fixed budget or upfront payments required