SAN DIEGO, Dec. 9, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Multimedia messaging (MMS) is only now surfacing in the marketplace. However, this messaging solution that can bring any combination of audio and visual components to a new generation of wireless devices is expected to generate billions of dollars in annual revenues for the wireless industry in coming years. Representing the wireless communications company that is believed to host the largest aggregation of MMS data anywhere (www.sms.ac), SMS.ac's chairman and chief executive officer, Michael Pousti recently addressed attendees at one of the world's leading conferences dedicated to multimedia messaging, MMS Taiwan 2002.
According to Taiwan's Ministry of Commerce, every resident of Taiwan has, on average, more than one mobile phone account, making Taiwan the highest penetration of mobile phones of any population in the world. This distinction makes the Asian island a perfect stage for discussions surrounding the future of mobile multimedia communications.
"Next-generation handsets are must-have items among the Taiwanese, who are traditionally early adopters of new technologies," said Pousti. "Now, these MMS-enabled wireless devices are making their way into the global marketplace. Imagine using your mobile phone to take photographs that can be transmitted to other destinations with a few touches of the keypad. This is just one compelling application that demonstrates the awesome anytime-anywhere promise of wireless data.
"I believe that if you provide consumers and businesses with access to powerful, unbridled multimedia communications that can be immediately delivered to wireless devices at a reasonable cost, then what you have is a formula for massive revenue generation," continued Pousti. "There is every indication from our millions of global mobile users that MMS adoption will be met with enthusiasm around the world."
The average cost to send an MMS message in Europe is currently around 54 cents (U.S.), while the cost in Asia is approximately 36 cents. That cost is expected to come down considerably, said Pousti, as more network operators offer MMS services. But, while consumers are giving MMS services a warm reception thus far, cross-network MMS communications are for the most part, still blocked by mobile operators.
"We've seen this approach before," said Pousti. "A lack of interoperability between operators proved to be a major contributor to lackluster SMS adoption in the U.S. Closed communications will ultimately stagnate growth and limit revenue opportunities. Walled gardens simply don't work. However, it's encouraging to hear mobile operators tell me that MMS interoperability is a high priority for the near future." At MMS Taiwan 2002, mobile operators from Singapore became the first operators in the world to announce MMS interoperability.
SMS.ac's proprietary core technology, MMSbox(TM) enables the interoperable exchange of text and multimedia messages across any technology platform. Since MMSbox was launched in December 2001 as proof of concept, millions of MMS images have been uploaded by registered members around the world. Those images are available today for delivery to MMS-enabled devices that are supported by MMS networks. To register at no cost and to send a free text or multimedia message, visit www.sms.ac.
SMS.ac (www.sms.ac) is host to the largest mobile community in the world, with more than 6 million users registering in 220 countries from December 2001 through June 2002.
To learn more about SMS.ac and to discover how its brandable text and multimedia-capable technology can be integrated into your company's existing infrastructure, visit http://www.sms.ac and contact bizdev@sms.ac.
To receive SMS.ac press releases via email, register at prsubscribe@sms.ac. You may unsubscribe from this service by sending an email to prunsubscribe@sms.ac.
About SMS.ac, Inc.
SMS.ac is host to the largest wireless community in the world. With more than 6 million members registered in its first six months (milestone achieved in June 2002), SMS.ac is a truly global mobile community that has connectivity to more than 400 networks in over 170 countries. Through its core MMSbox(TM) technologies, SMS.ac, Inc. enables worldwide wireless interaction between network operators, technology standards, the Internet, businesses, consumers and application/content developers. The result is interaction not previously possible amongst a critical mass of developers, consumers and businesses -- igniting the widespread adoption and use of wireless data.
SMS.ac drives revenues through technology licensing, subscriptions, sponsorships and shared revenue opportunities. SMS.ac's consumer site (www.sms.ac) is an example of the brandable web interfaces to MMSbox(TM) technologies available for licensing. SMS.ac and MMSbox are trademarks of SMS.ac, Incorporated. Other trademarks or service marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. To view the SMS.ac corporate Website, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.