Sema Group PLC Partners with America Online to Offer Operators Mobile Instant Messaging - Brief Article

Wireless Internet, May, 2001

Sema announced at the 3GSM World Congress in Cannes that it will be working with America Online to deliver mobile instant messaging services to SMS networks. The companies are working together to ensure that wireless messaging services provided by America Online are compatible with the products provided by Sema to wireless carriers. Sema develops SMS solutions for telecom operators.

Mobile instant messaging allows mobile phone users to send instant messages between mobile phones as well as between a mobile phone and PC. It alerts the mobile phone user when a new message arrives as well as when a new member logs on, whether by mobile phone or PC, so that the user can then chat via SMS. It is a valuable service for mobile users who want to keep in touch with colleagues, family, and friends and it is a proven business solution, a real-time link between offices and business travellers.

David Lloyd, director of Sema messaging, said, "Sema SMSC and instant messaging is a winning solution for operators who want to offer their subscribers innovative enhanced services, whilst increasing their billable traffic revenue." Lloyd added, "Sema is the pioneer of SMS, delivering the world's first commercial short messaging services. Integrating two highly scaleable proven messaging and solutions will enable operators worldwide to increase customer loyalty and grow network usage through SMS traffic in a market where competition is fierce."