RS232 to GSM modem?

Weller:
The plan is to have the Arduino issue these AT commands to the modem to send SMS messages and receive SMS Messages.

Wouldn't it be simpler just to connect the modem into the PC and write a PC application (or grab some freeware) to do whatever sending/receiving you have in mind? I guess you would have to write something on the PC anyway to drive the Arduino. So, why not put the whole solution there?