Multimedia Messaging Service

Book excerpt: The Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is regarded as the best-of-the breed of proven messaging technologies, surpassing SMS and electronic mail to offer a truly multimedia experience to mobile users. The first commercial solutions appeared on the market in 2002 and the penetration rate of MMS is now quickly approaching the required level for mass-market adoption. By leveraging accessible technologies, MMS has gained wide acceptance from major market players and provides great business opportunities for the whole telecommunications industry. Introduces usage scenarios and provides a comprehensive description of enabling technologies for MMS, from version 1.0 to version 1.2 (featuring message content classes, video support, online message boxes, digital rights management, etc.) Demystifies MMS standards by clearly illustrating technical explanations with numerous practical examples, from the design of multimedia messages to the interfacing of applications with MMS centres Sheds light on common implementation pitfalls and known interoperability issues Based on the author’s own experience as a standardization expert and software architect for one of the major handset vendors, Multimedia Messaging Service provides a stimulating practical reference book for network operators, content designers, device manufacturers and developers of messaging applications, and will also appeal to researchers and students.