While some companies (Google, Facebook) have (ab)used this free standard to make their own Walled Gardens, there is another group that is using it to move technology forward: JMP (https://jmp.chat)
JMP allows you to get a real phone number and use it for texting, calling, group texts, picture messages, and yes - it can even receive messages from short codes. You can use it with any XMPP-capable client on any device with an internet connection. You can also use it with a SIP client to make and receive VoIP calls.
Unlike Google Voice, JMP does not mine or sell your data. Also, you can use/buy JMP's service completely anonymously.
