| Somewhat Lengthy Question Re Portal for NowSMS |  Search
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NowSMS Support Forums ⬆ NowSMS Support - SMS Issues ⬆ Archive through January 23, 2007 ⬆ |
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| Author | Message | |||
| Eric Juvet New member Username: Ericj Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2006 |
We are implementing our first Now SMS/MMS Gateway. We are using a Nokia 6102i for a test platform. My question concerns what comes after our successful test. Our application needs to receive MMS messages. We are in the USA and will be receiving MMS messages to and from the USA. (1) When it is time to replace the test cell phone, will I be able to hang a portal off the Now SMS/MMS Gateway that responds to a phone number? That is, I cannot use short codes. Will I be able to have a phone number that cell users can send MMS messages to so that my portal will just appear to be another cell phone number? (2) Is the portal a hardware appliance or is it software? (3) What portal does Now SMS recommend? (4) Does the portal hang off a regular data T1, or do I need special cell carrier infrastructure? (5) In broad brush, what are the costs of such a portal setup, and what are the costs of the Now SMS Gateway? Thank you very much for your help. | |||
| Bryce Norwood - NowSMS Support Board Administrator Username: Bryce Post Number: 6851 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hi Eric, I would not expect the Nokia 6102i to function for your requirements. Basically, when you use a phone as a GSM modem, you can send SMS and MMS messages ... you can usually receive SMS messages (except in Nokia Series 60 phones), but I've yet to see a phone where you could receive MMS messages over the GSM modem interface. To receive MMS messages, you need a dedicated GSM modem device. For the US, I usually recommend Multitech GPRS/EDGE modems for this purpose. (Sierra Wireless PC cards are also a good choice if you need something for a laptop.) 1.) I don't really understand your question. I'm struggling with the terminology. When you say "portal", am I right in thinking that you are referring to this "portal" as being the interface or link that connects you to the mobile operator network? If so, then I think I have a better understanding of your questions. To get started, what you want is a GSM/GPRS(/EDGE) modem. In the USA, I'd suggest one of the models from Multitech. (Lots of brands in other parts of the world don't support both of the US GSM frequencies ... or if they do, they're more difficult to source.) A GSM/GPRS modem accepts a SIM card, just like a mobile phone does. It works over the same type of subscription to a mobile operator as a mobile phone does. A SIM can be moved from a phone to a modem, or vice versa, without requiring any changes in this subscription ... the phone number follows the SIM. The difference between a mobile phone and a GSM/GPRS modem is that the modem is designed for programmatic use. As I alluded to in my opening comments, many mobile phones implement GSM modem capabilities. However, they all fall short in the ability to receive MMS over the GSM modem interface ... so you do need a dedicated device. Eventually, you may be able to move beyond a modem (I just haven't seen this option available from any of the US operators yet). There are IP based protocols that can be used to communicate with an operator MMSC ... the most common of which being MM7. NowSMS supports these MM7 connections (including common variations for different MMSC manufacturers, and several additional protocols), in addition to the GSM/GPRS modem interface. So, when that option becomes available in the US, you could migrate to that interface. For commercial/pricing details, send an e-mail to nowsms@now.co.uk ... or use the "contact form" at http://www.nowsms.com/contact.htm, and we'll provide the details via e-mail. -bn | |||
