MMS, the acronym of Multimedia Messaging Service, is characterized by its support to multimedia functions. MMS, including images, audio messages, video messages and texts, can support high-speed data communication such as voice, Internet browsing, emails, video conferences, etc.. With the support of GPRS and CDMA1X, MMS can deliver video clips, pictures, voices and texts with WAP (wireless application protocol) . Apart from delivery between handsets, MMS can be delivered between handsets and PCs.  Handset with MMS functions is characterized by an embedded media compiler, with which users can compile multimedia messages. If equipped with a camera, the handset can be used to produce and send PowerPoint messages or electronic postcards.

MMS has the advantages of SMS, such as storage and transmission, support to open standards and support to some 3G functions including pictures and voices. MMS will test people’s ability to adjust to new data services. So far, WAP has never achieved big success and MMS will become another opportunity to attract users to use data services. Not a temporary technology, MMS has sustainable vitality and will become a type of core 3G service. On the basis of 3G networks, MMS is in an advantageous position because high data transmission speed will make the transmission of video data through handsets possible.

MMS Application

The successful development of SMS lays a solid foundation for the provision of MMS with more diversified content and application. MMS not only breaks the limits of the size of SMS, but also defines the fonts, sizes and formats of texts. Moreover, many applications cannot be realized by SMS now. The different characteristics of SMS and MMS lead to the powerful ability of MMS. The typical applications are also used extensively.

The multimedia content provided by MMS includes:

Ø Texts

Ø Static and dynamic colored images (JPEG, GIP and other formats)

Ø Voice and other audio content (MP3, MIDI, WAV and AMR)

Ø Video content (MPEG4, H.263 and Quicktime)

MMS can be classified into applications for individual users and business users:

Ø        Individual users can use all the information elements to create the content of their own messages and make their lives more colorful. By using SMIL media compilation language, users can make and send Powerpoint files with photos, pictures, audio and video data. Users can face the embedded or plug-in cameras of their MMS handsets and add notes and greetings. They can use static pictures as screensavers and wallpapers.

Ø        Business users, centered on working programs, use MMS to promote working efficiency. For example, they send project blueprints, snapshots and statements to their bosses or customers, or send conference records to colleagues who fail to attend the meetings so as to realize real mobile office work.

MMS can be classified into three applications according to the types of communication undertakers:

Ø            Point to point: Point-to-point (P2P) is the most common and popular model in MMS. A user can produce multimedia messages with an MMS terminal and send the messages to a multimedia-messaging center, which in turn send multimedia messages to the recipient terminal. For example, the delivery of pictures through MMS helps users to share text files as well as more intimate experiences. A picture can tell you much more than plain words.

Ø            Point to application: (P2A) A user can send multimedia messages to an application system such as an email box through an MMS terminal. The essence is that the user sends messages and value-added services to the database. For example: a user votes for his favorite song through SMS or inquires some information. Also, multimedia based on SMS can provide more information beyond current functions and more advanced communication effect. For instance, a user can send pictures taken by the handset to a photo storage and then view the pictures on PCs or even print and send those pictures.

Ø            Application to point: (A2P) MMS can also be initiated by application or MMS can be sent by an application system to a handset terminal. Under such a circumstance, the application system is the value-added application outside the multimedia message center. Such a use emphasizes SMS as the means of delivering content and services. SMS has achieved big success in delivering rings to users and people even don’t realize that the rings that they buy are provided via SMS! Multimedia SMS can deliver more content and information and greatly enhance the function. For instance, multimedia SMS can provide much more diversified and longer rings than SMS can.

Typical application of MMS:

Ø  Exchange of photos between individuals—such as electronic postcards

Ø  Exchange and transmission of music

Ø  Exchange of emails

Ø     Real-time information

Ø     Information and entertainment services, including texts, audio content and pictures

Ø     Information provided by corporate users to consumers, such as advertisements, promotions and sales information

Ø Game and gambling

Excerpt of Analysis of MMS Market Development, 2003 Report of the Communication Research Lab of CATR Communication and Information Research Institute