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Send FREE MMS India
The
Multimedia Messaging Service
(MMS) is a new messaging service that allows
messages containing pictures, audio clips, text and
in the future, 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:
•
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.
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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.
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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 :
1: Using an MMS compatible phone, take a picture.
2: Use your mobile phone to personalize the message
by adding text, voice or sound clip
3: Send the MMS message
On a compatible cell phone, the MMS message will appear
with a new message alert. The picture message will open
on the screen, the text will appear below the image
and the sound, if any, plays automatically.
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 for example. 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 adoptable
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.
MMS
Supports most Applications: --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Text
•
Unlimited
text that can be formatted.
•
Text
can be accompanied by images, graphics, sound and in
future video.
Graphics
•
Support
for Graphs, tables, charts, diagrams and layouts.
•
Support
for animated GIFs.
Audio
•
Support
for music, speech.
•
Support
for streaming sound.
Images
•
Sending
images and snapshots from an attached or built in digital
camera.
•
Ability
to edit images and add text.
Video
•
The
ultimate goal of MMS is the ability to send video (over
a full 3G network).
•
The
ability to send a simple 30-second clip has enticing
applications especially in the sports and media arena.
The MMS standard lists JPEG, GIF, text, AMR voice, and
other formats as supported media types, while unsupported
formats are handled in a controlled way. Like SMS, MMS
is an open industry standard, and MMS messages can be
delivered using existing networks and protocols. MMS
is also bearer-independent, which means it is not limited
to GSM or WCDMA networks.
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.
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