TCS to Offer IM Services

TeleCommunication Systems, (TCS) has signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with the Instant Messaging developer, MessageVine. The agreement calls for the integration of the MessageVine IM Server with several TCS text messaging and location products. With the combined solution, wireless operators can establish their own instant messaging service by letting subscribers access a branded client interface. In other words, wireless carriers may display their own brand name on the subscribers' handset screens as subscribers use their instant messaging service.

The addition of location and advanced presence capabilities enables wireless operators to let subscribers actually locate people on their buddy list and inform them of their buddies' device status (on, off, in meeting, etc.).

"The integrated solution can help carriers increase their average revenue per user (ARPU) by providing simple and user-friendly access to popular services and features," said Timothy Lorello, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at TCS. "We believe that allowing subscribers to extend their familiar desktop instant messaging experience to their wireless devices and seamlessly switch between the two is a powerful proposition."

MessageVine's IM server is interoperable with web-based IM brands including as Microsoft's Messenger, AOL's Instant Messenger, ICQ and Yahoo! Messenger. Telus Mobility recently launched its IM service based on the company's products, and T-Mobile demonstrated mobile IM with MessageVine at CeBIT 2002.

As of March 31, 2002, TCS was serving or under contract to serve 41 carrier networks worldwide.'"

Posted to the site on 23rd May 2002