SAN DIEGO, Dec. 18, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wireless technology infrastructure company SMS.ac, Inc. today announced that in its first week since launch, more than 100,000 unique users have registered to utilize Short Message Service (SMS) and other features offered via its consumer-focused web site (www.sms.ac).
The SMS.ac early-adopter site was launched on December 10 after a brief beta testing period and serves as a web showcase for the company's new MMSbox(tm) core technologies. The company's objective is to provide these technologies to wireless network operators for branded integration into their existing infrastructures. MMSbox technologies make SMS (text) messaging available to wireless customers, regardless of network format (GSM, CDMA, TDMA) or type of mobile device. Additionally, SMS.ac makes SMS messaging available from either a mobile device or via a brandable web interface.
Until the introduction of MMSbox last week, with few exceptions, U.S. wireless subscribers were not able to send SMS messages to subscribers on a competing network. Industry analysts have stated that cross-network SMS messaging availability could lead to rapid adoption of the text messaging service that has been slow to gain momentum in the U.S. marketplace. SMS use in Europe today accounts for as much as 10 percent of network operator revenues.
However, Michael Pousti, SMS.ac chief executive officer warns that as next-generation wireless technologies make their way into the international marketplace, they will likely face the same obstacles that currently hinder adoption of communication offerings like SMS in the U.S.
Pousti says that his company's offerings are enjoying early consumer acceptance, as indicated by today's milestone announcement - proving that there exists a significant demand for wireless data that was previously obstructed by a lack of interoperability. He says the SMS.ac mission is to unify network operators, their customers and application/content developers through technology and asserts that the branded integration of SMS.ac technology into a network operator's infrastructure will generate new revenues immediately and help ignite true demand for wireless data.
"In addition to increased technology and marketing costs, U.S. carriers are also faced with dropping revenues per user (RPUs)," said Pousti. "Increasing interoperability between network operators serves to unify largely disconnected consumer and developer groups and is a solution that benefits everyone. The key to growing the wireless data space is clearly a technology issue-- one that MMSbox solves for SMS messaging, and will resolve for next generation standards."
For more information on how SMS.ac brandable technologies can be integrated into your company's existing infrastructure, contact bizdev@sms.ac.
To view the SMS.ac company site, go to www.sms.ac/corporate.
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About SMS.ac:
SMS.ac unites network operators, technology standards, consumers and application/content developers worldwide. SMS.ac's MMSbox(tm) technologies unify GSM, CDMA, TDMA, the Internet and next-generation standards for the first time. 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 for network operators.
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. The community of wireless enthusiasts at SMS.ac represents one of the fastest growing consumer properties on the Internet. 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 web site, visit www.sms.ac/corporate.