Why is SMS so successful?

What makes this technology so successful?

It's simplicity and it's availability.

SMS is very success all over the world. The number of SMS messages exchanged every day is enormous. SMS messaging is now one of the most important revenue sources of wireless carriers. What is so special about SMS that makes it so popular worldwide? First of all it's very simple: A phone number and a message text. You cannot think of providing less information to communicate with somebody in writing. The second major reason is that it is available in all mobile networks.

Is this technology successful, because SMS messages can be sent and read at any time?

Yes.

Almost every person has a mobile phone and carries it most of the time. With a mobile phone, you can send and read SMS messages at any time, no matter you are in your office, on a bus or at home. Other than being able to send a message any time, the communication does not require both parties to be available at the same time. The recipient can receive the message instantly or at a later time, if he/she is not available at. This means, that unlike a phone call, an SMS message can be sent to a mobile phone even when the owner has not switched on the mobile phone or when the mobile phone is in a place where the wireless signal is temporarily unavailable.

The SMS system (SMSC) of the mobile network operator will store the SMS message and later send it to the mobile phone when it becomes online.

Is the SMS technology successful, because it is more polite?

Yes.

Unlike a phone call, you do not need to read or reply an SMS message immediately. Besides, writing and reading SMS messages do not make any noise. While you have to run out of a theater or library to answer a phone call, you do not need to do so if SMS messaging is used.

We can safely say, that SMS messaging is not so disturbing while you can still stay in touch.

Is the SMS technology successful, because it is global?

Yes.

SMS messaging is a mature, globally accepted technology. All mobile phones support it.

Not only that you can exchange SMS messages with mobile users of the same wireless carrier, but you can also exchange SMS messages with mobile users of many other wireless carriers worldwide.

Is the SMS technology successful, because it can be used by wireless applications?

Yes.

Since SMS messaging is supported by all GSM mobile phones, it is an excellent platform for exchanging information between applications installed on these phones. Building wireless applications on top of the SMS technology can maximize the potential user base. SMS messaging is a mature, globally accepted technology. All mobile phones support it. Not only that you can exchange SMS messages with mobile users of the same wireless carrier, but you can also exchange SMS messages with mobile users of many other wireless carriers worldwide.

It is also an advantage, that SMS messages are capable of carrying binary data besides text. They can be used to transfer ringtones, pictures, operator logos, wallpapers, animations, VCards, VCals (calendar entries) and other binary content.

SMS is also excellent for application, because it has native support for billing. The mobile carriers provide an option to do reverse billing, which enables payment to be made conveniently. This makes it possible to develop mobile content delivery platforms.

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