Regarding text messaging.
If all you need to do is call a particular URL with parameters then there is an easier way in Aware IM that doesn't involve web services or custom programming with Java plug-ins.
We have a custom plug-in for a function that calls a particular URL and returns a response from this URL as text. You can then analyse the return and do whatever's necessary. Don't know why this function is not included in the product as standard. We can send you the plug-in if you need it.
If this approach does not work for whatever reason, then you can use web services as Pete suggested or you can communicate via HTTP through a custom Java plug-in that can use the code of the above mentioned function as a starting point and modify it appropriately.
If calling URL invokes UI of the service provider and then returns to your application, then you can use the URL channel (look it up in the User Guide and also check the PayPal integration in the Library sample application).
There are MANY ways to get it to work.
Mail merge shouldn't be a problem either as Tom suggested.
