MMS
The Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a messaging service that allows messages containing pictures, audio clips, text and video, to be sent and received between one customer and another.
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a "store and forward" messaging service which allows cell phone subscribers to exchange multimedia messages with other mobile subscribers. As such it can be seen as an evolution of SMS, with MMS supporting the transmission of additional media types:
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a "store and forward" messaging service which allows cell phone subscribers to exchange multimedia messages with other mobile subscribers. As such it can be seen as an evolution of SMS, with MMS supporting the transmission of additional media types:
- Text
- Picture
- Audio
- Video
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is an important emerging service, which allows the sending of multiple media in a single message, and the ability to send a message to multiple recipients at one time.
Just as the traditional short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS) provides automatic and immediate delivery of personal messages. Unlike the SMS, however, MMS allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message.
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.
The originator of the message, can easily create a Multimedia Message, either using a built-in or accessory camera, or can use images and sounds stored previously in the cell phone ( or possibly downloaded from a site). Several Multimedia Messages can be stored in the users handset and reviewed or forwarded at a later date.
Just as the traditional short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS) provides automatic and immediate delivery of personal messages. Unlike the SMS, however, MMS allows mobile phone users to enhance their messages by incorporating sound, images, and other rich content, transforming it into a personalized visual and audio message.
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.
The originator of the message, can easily create a Multimedia Message, either using a built-in or accessory camera, or can use images and sounds stored previously in the cell phone ( or possibly downloaded from a site). Several Multimedia Messages can be stored in the users handset and reviewed or forwarded at a later date.
HOW MMS WORKS:
Depending upon the mobile operator, a typical example of how MMS messages are sent and received between two compatible MMS mobile phones is :
- Using an MMS compatible phone, take a picture.
- Use your mobile phone to personalize the message by adding text, voice or sound clip.
- Send the MMS message.
Comparison of MMS with SMS
SMS messages are not delivered in real time because they follow the 'store and forward' model. All SMS messages first get sent to the SMSC (Short Message Service Centre) from where they are routed to the recipient. MMSC (Multi Media Service Centre) performs an analogous function to the SMSC for the purposes of this discussion.
Like SMS messages, MMS messages are also not delivered in real time. However the actual interaction in the delivery of MMS messages is different from that of SMS.
SMS messages delivery is quite simple - SMS messages get sent first to the SMSC and if the SMSC can deliver the message immediately to the recipient, the message is sent to them.
However, the steps for MMS are different - The sender sends a message to the MMSC . When the MMSC receives the message, the MMSC sends confirmation. The sender then gets a 'message sent'.
MMSC sends the receiver a notification that a new message is waiting. The receiver can then download the message immediately or download it later. Once the message is successfully downloaded, the receiver gets a 'Message Received' indication.
Once the receiver has successfully downloaded the message, the sender gets a 'Message Delivered' message. SMS uses signalling links that have limited spare capacity. MMS uses
main data channels (initially GPRS) that enable multimedia messages to be sent.
Both SMS and MMS are "store and forward" systems and are not real time. Unlike SMS, MMS can use user profiles to determine when content should be delivered - for example a user may choose to receive certain messages after working hours.
MMS can undertake format conversion based on terminal characteristics and user profile. This does not apply to SMS. In the SMS environment, storage of messages is not an issue since
the size of a message is small and the issue of storing a message arises only when the recipient is not available (which is the exception rather than the rule). In contrast, MMS messages can be
larger. Also, they may be stored in the recipient's MMSC for longer (since they may not be downloaded immediately). This introduces a cost. Further, users may like to 'store the message' more permanently There is an opportunity for storage companies to provide such services for example photo albums.
Unlike the SMSC, design of the MMSC is not monolithic. Hence, MMSC design comprises multiple elements. An operator may mix and match these elements from various vendors. Access to MMS messages should be independent of access points - MMS messages could be accessed through 3G, 2G networks, fixed line networks etc.
SMS does not have a concept of a user profile whereas in MMS, the user profile is central since it determines when a message will be downloaded. This is because MMS messages are larger and are not delivered immediately to the recipient. Although MMS encompasses a wide range of content types, it is a logical extension of SMS, making it easily adaptable for today's generation of mobile users. Another advantage of MMS is that the message is a multimedia presentation in a single entry, not a text file with attachments, making it much simpler and user-friendly.
Like SMS messages, MMS messages are also not delivered in real time. However the actual interaction in the delivery of MMS messages is different from that of SMS.
SMS messages delivery is quite simple - SMS messages get sent first to the SMSC and if the SMSC can deliver the message immediately to the recipient, the message is sent to them.
However, the steps for MMS are different - The sender sends a message to the MMSC . When the MMSC receives the message, the MMSC sends confirmation. The sender then gets a 'message sent'.
MMSC sends the receiver a notification that a new message is waiting. The receiver can then download the message immediately or download it later. Once the message is successfully downloaded, the receiver gets a 'Message Received' indication.
Once the receiver has successfully downloaded the message, the sender gets a 'Message Delivered' message. SMS uses signalling links that have limited spare capacity. MMS uses
main data channels (initially GPRS) that enable multimedia messages to be sent.
Both SMS and MMS are "store and forward" systems and are not real time. Unlike SMS, MMS can use user profiles to determine when content should be delivered - for example a user may choose to receive certain messages after working hours.
MMS can undertake format conversion based on terminal characteristics and user profile. This does not apply to SMS. In the SMS environment, storage of messages is not an issue since
the size of a message is small and the issue of storing a message arises only when the recipient is not available (which is the exception rather than the rule). In contrast, MMS messages can be
larger. Also, they may be stored in the recipient's MMSC for longer (since they may not be downloaded immediately). This introduces a cost. Further, users may like to 'store the message' more permanently There is an opportunity for storage companies to provide such services for example photo albums.
Unlike the SMSC, design of the MMSC is not monolithic. Hence, MMSC design comprises multiple elements. An operator may mix and match these elements from various vendors. Access to MMS messages should be independent of access points - MMS messages could be accessed through 3G, 2G networks, fixed line networks etc.
SMS does not have a concept of a user profile whereas in MMS, the user profile is central since it determines when a message will be downloaded. This is because MMS messages are larger and are not delivered immediately to the recipient. Although MMS encompasses a wide range of content types, it is a logical extension of SMS, making it easily adaptable for today's generation of mobile users. Another advantage of MMS is that the message is a multimedia presentation in a single entry, not a text file with attachments, making it much simpler and user-friendly.
Drawbacks of MMS:
The speed of MMS transmission, although quick, is still dependent on the message size and on the bearer used. However, since the receiver is not aware of the ongoing transmission before the message has been delivered, the delay is imperceptible, making MMS as convenient to
use as SMS.
use as SMS.
1 Comments:
Good informative research piece. Lucid style of writing. Keep the good work going ...
Post a Comment
<< Home