About MMS - II

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.