MMS Technologies, Usage and Business Models 

MMS has evolved from the huge popularity of the SMS text service for GSM networks. It is a departure from the transport mechanism used for SMS (which is based on the GSM signalling channels) to the use of IP to transport messages within the MMS network. To this end MMS has similarities with Internet email and standard IETF protocols. As with any new technology it is difficult to accurately predict the position within the next 5 years, although based on previous experience with WAP and SMS it would be fair to say that these protocols will increase in usage over the next 5 years and become legacy for a further 5 years following which, users will migrate onto the next wave of messaging. Significant revenue growth and data usage is expected to be driven by consumer usage of MMS.

But MMS technology offers more than just a broadening of message content. With MMS, it is not only possible to send your multimedia messages from one phone to another, but also from phone to email, and vice versa. This feature dramatically increases the possibilities of mobile communication, both for private and corporate use.

Multimedia messaging will reshape the landscape of mobile communication, making it more personal, more versatile, and more expressive than ever before.

MMS:

• Is the first book to address how MMS (and the use of IP to transport messages) will affect existing infrastructure and business models
• Covers the fundamental changes to mail and billing systems
• Includes future recommendations, such as interoperability and evolution
• Presents an overview of the MMS technology components

Drawing on the authors hands-on experience in the implementation of MMS technology (developing, billing and delivering services) at BT, this innovative book will appeal to engineering managers, network operators, market analysts, business decision makers, content providers and operator organizations.

About the Authors.

How This Book Is Organized.

Acknowledgements.

PART I: MOBILE MESSAGING BUSINESS CHALLENGES.

1. Multimedia Messaging Overview.

2. The Multimedia Messaging Value Chain.

PART II: THE TECHNOLOGIES OF MULTI MEDIA MESSAGING.

3. A Standards-based Approach.

4. Application Layer.

5. Network Layer.

PART III: MULTI MEDIA MESSAGING SERVICES TODAY AND TOMORROW.

6. Multimedia Messaging Services Today and Tomorrow.

7. Future Recommendations.

Table of Infrastructure, Content and Software Vendors.

Glossary.

Standards and Specifications.

Websites.

Industrial Fora, Regulatory Organizations and Other Relevant Initiatives.

References.

Index.

Daniel Ralph is an engineering manager at Btexact Technologies, where he is responsible for a number of projects in the mobile applications arena. He currently consults and project-manages application development, application integration and systems migration, and is also interested in the wider commercial, social and political implications association with the impact of knowledge society.
Daniel received his masters degree in Telecommunications Engineering at University College London. He also holds a BSc(Hons) in Computer Science from the Open University. He is a member of the British Computer Society and is a chartered engineer. He has authored a number of journal papers and presented at conferences on the subject of delivering services via mobility portal and technologies of the mobile internet.

Paul Graham is an engineering manager at eServGlobal, where he is responsible for a number of projects associated with the development of Intelligent Network Services and mobile applications.
Paul received his master’s degree in Telecommunications Technology at Aston University. He also holds a BEng in Electronics from Southampton University. He is a member of the IEE and has vast experience in the telecommunications industry, having served three years at BT’s research facility at Martlesham Health (near Ipswich), followed by five years working for G8 Labs/eServGlobal. This includes periods working for Stratus, Ascend and Lucent Technologies in the USA and throughout Europe. His current interests include next-generation Internet services and mobile services. He specializes in billing systems and data services.