What is Instant Messaging?

Instant messaging over a mobile network lets you exchange text messages and multimedia clips on your mobile phone practically in real time. When it is used together with another technology, Presence, a user can see the online status of other users. Instant Messaging is an easy way to organise a quick online conference when it is not possible to have a telephone conference.

How does it work?

When you send an instant message to another user from your mobile phone, the message is delivered all the way to the other user's device's instant message window. Users must be signed on to the system in order to receive messages - instant messages are not stored by servers like email messages.

The use of Presence information, however, requires a central database where user information is maintained. Requests to see personal presence information can be accepted or declined by users themselves. The Presence information indicates, among other things, if a person is online, offline, doesn't want to be disturbed, or is available for a telephone conference.

The underlying technology for instant messaging, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) protocol, manages the delivery of instant messages and instant messaging sessions.

About Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging and Presence functionality are embedded in the menu systems of some Nokia mobile phones.

What are the benefits of Instant Messaging?

• Communication can take the form of a real time continuous dialogue
• Allows instant online conferences