With the advancement in mobile technology, mobile networks are trying to push instant messaging a step further. The Internet and Java enabled mobile devices make Mobile Instant Messaging a reality. Fifteen networks have decided to work together to make it easy to IM across networks. The success of IM on the net has motivated mobile networks to get it working on mobiles as well. People are now using mobiles to send IM rather than a PC and the operators are convinced that they can gain good revenues for data services. The operators are hopeful that instant messaging will repeat the success of text messaging, as more and more people will start using IM for their day-to-day communication. According to the Mobile Data Association, British mobile users sent 3.1 billion text messages in December alone, which helped the operators make good money. With the coming of third generation mobile networks, IM has received a smother acceptance by a large number of users. Because of improved bandwidth and reduced latency, now you can use IMs in a more suitable way. The 3G networks can carry more data and transfer it faster making it easy to message instantly. IM conversations involve a faster exchange of messages than text messages, thus ensuring that you enjoy an experience similar to that available as online chat. The latest technology is quite capable to handle large amounts of data. Technology therefore is no longer an obstacle to the IM revolution. The splits between the operators of the online IM networks was however a big problem. They are now slowly starting to link to each other. The mobile operators have learnt that they should start exchanging information among themselves. 700 million mobile phone users have agreed to use a single standard for IM, which would work across networks. Later this year, the operators are looking to launch instant messaging mobile services. It was reported that to make IM conversations easy to follow, some work is still needed. Instead of arranging messages by when they arrive, it would be far better to arrange them by both conversational thread and time. One more problem that needs consideration is that IM conversations are often between large groups of people rather than one-to-one like text messages. Another cause of concern for operators is the fear that committing to IM could weaken their brand. No operator wants to give away too much control to net-based IM operators, as they may become their competitors in the near future. Operators still have a huge control over price and user conditions. But within 2-3 years, operators would not be able to control that anymore. |
