SMS& MMS and Uses

Text messaging, or texting, is the exchange of brief written text messages between two or
more mobile phones or fixed or portable devices over a phone network. While the original term
was derived from referring to messages sent using the Short Message Service (SMS) originated
from Radio Telegraphy, it has since been extended to include messages containing image, video,
and sound content (known as MMS messages).
Text messages can be used to interact with automated systems such as ordering products
and services for mobile phones or participating in contests. Advertisers and service providers use
direct text marketing to notify mobile phone users about promotions, payment due dates and other
notifications that can usually be sent by post, e-mail or voicemail.

Uses
1. Text messaging is most often used between private mobile phone users, as a substitute
for voice calls in situations where voice communication is impossible or undesirable.
2. Some text messages such as SMS can also be used for the remote controlling of
appliances. It is widely used in domotics systems.
3. A Flash SMS is a type of text message that appears directly on the main screen without
user interaction and is not automatically stored in the inbox. It can be useful in cases such
as an emergency (e.g. fire alarm) or confidentiality (e.g. one-time password).
4. Text messaging has become so popular that advertising agencies and advertisers are now
jumping into the text messaging business. Services that provide bulk text message
sending are also becoming a popular way for clubs, associations, and advertisers to reach
a group of opt-in subscribers quickly.
5. Micro Blogging
Out of many texting trends, a system known as Micro Blogging has surfaced, the system
consists of a miniaturized blog, inspired mainly by peoples’ tendency to jot down babble
and post it. They consists of sites like Twitter equivalent Weibo.
6. Emergency services
In some countries, text messages can be used to contact the emergency services. In the
UK, text messages can be used to call the emergency services after registering with the
emergency SMS service. This service is primarily aimed at people who, by reason of
disability, are unable to make a voice call, but has recently been promoted as a means for
walkers and climbers to call emergency services from areas where a voice call is not
possible due to low signal strength.
7. Reminders of hospital appointments
SMS messages are used in some countries as reminders of hospital appointments.
8. SMS is widely used for delivering digital content, such as news alerts, financial
information, logos and ringtones.
9. The use of text messaging for business purposes has grown significantly during the
mid-2000s. Some practical uses of text messaging include the use of SMS for confirming
delivery or other tasks, for instant communication between a service provider and a client
(e.g., stock broker and investor), and for sending alerts.
10. Several universities have implemented a system of texting students and faculty’s campus
alerts.