Now Gateway Demystifies MMS Multimedia Messaging

SMS Gateway and Multimedia Messaging Center (MMSC) available for free evaluation, purchase for under $750

 

London, UKNovember 7, 2002 – Now Wireless today announced the immediate availability of the latest version of the Now SMS/MMS Gateway as a free software download for evaluation from the web site http://www.nowsms.com.  The evaluation product is a fully functional SMS gateway and Multimedia Messaging Center (MMSC), allowing users to send and receive both SMS and MMS messages, with the gateway software connected to the GSM network via either GSM modems or a variety of protocols that support internet connectivity to mobile operator SMS Centers (SMSCs).  The evaluation product is free for a 60-day evaluation period, with prices for the licensed software starting at £495 (UK Pound) or $745 (US Dollar or Euro).

 

The MMSC capabilities of the gateway support the exchange of multimedia messages between MMS-compatible mobile phones, as well as between mobile phones and internet e-mail recipients.  New multimedia messages can be sent to mobile phones via an e-mail interface, or via simple web-based forms and web-based applications.  An MMS message compiler tool, included with the product, simplifies the process of packaging MMS content for delivery.

 

“Anyone with a mobile phone and the appropriate modem cable to connect that mobile phone to a computer can install our gateway and begin sending and receiving MMS messages today,” commented Bryce Norwood, Director of Technology for Now Wireless.  “Customers with higher volume messaging requirements can, of course, use internet based protocols to connect the gateway directly to operator systems.  However, the GSM modem capability, using one of many ordinary phones sold today, provides a low barrier to entry toward implementing multimedia messaging technology.”

 

Additionally, the Now SMS/MMS gateway provides support for 2-way SMS and MMS for interactive application development.  SMS messages received by the gateway can trigger either an executable program to be run, or an HTTP request.  Simple text responses back to the user can be returned as output of the request.  More complex responses, including MMS or other binary SMS content, are also supported.

 

Essential SMS tools for WAP developers are provided by the gateway, including a simple, efficient tool for generating WAP Push messages independent of the operator WAP gateway, and comprehensive tools to support the over-the-air (OTA) sending of WAP profiles and configuration information via SMS.

 

The gateway also supports standard SMS text messaging, including support for SMS messages longer than 160 characters, and other binary SMS message formats including EMS and ring tones.  Multiple gateways can connect to each other over TCP/IP connections, with pattern matching supported to provide least cost routing of messages based on message destination.

 

“There is a lot of noise in the market about MMS solutions,” stated Brian Jackson, Managing Director of Now Wireless.  “What the mobile wireless market needs right now are not more promises, but real-world deployable solutions like the Now SMS/MMS Gateway, which can be openly tested and evaluated with no obligation.  Our expertise is in technology, not marketing, and we believe the best marketing for our solution is to let it speak for itself as a fully functional, and supported, 60-day evaluation version.”

 

For more information about the Now SMS/MMS gateway, including a free 60-day evaluation version, visit http://www.nowsms.com, or call Now Wireless at +44 208 286 8080.  E-mail inquiries may be directed to nowsms@now.co.uk.

 

About Now Wireless

 

Founded in 1988 as Now International, the Now Wireless division of Now International is widely associated with enterprise and carrier class wireless solutions. Now Wireless provided software infrastructure and content services for O2/ Manx Telecom to enable the first 3G service in Europe on the Isle of Man. With wide ranging expertise in wireless technology, Now Wireless also consults for Local Governments and Large Enterprises.

 

Press inquiries may contact Beril Sener at Now Wireless UK, +44 208 286 8080, or e-mail beril@now.co.uk.