Axalto launches SIM-based Instant Messaging application for mobile users

Provides operators with a simple, fast, cost-effective and handset-independent means to extend instant messaging services to all subscribers
 

Axalto has announced the launch of SIMapse – its SIM-based instant messaging application for mobile users. SIMapse from Axalto builds on the growing popularity of Instant Messaging (IM) among Internet users in order to open up a new SMS (short message service) revenue stream for mobile operators.

The SIMapse application combines the widely used SMS channel with a Java SIM-based solution. SIMapse enables mobile users to develop contact lists and receive online alerts about their contacts. At a glance, users know whether their contacts are online or not and can conveniently keep track of their messages as they are received, allowing them to reply instantly.
 
Online status and presence alerts encourage users to communicate, generating more SMS traffic. SIMapse brings the most popular instant messaging features to all mobile users – one touch log-in and log-out, contact lists with corresponding details, message history, and one-touch messaging to multiple users. Users can easily change handsets while retaining their preferred service as the solution is SIM-based. Comprehensive applet communication protocols allow for interoperability and compatibility across instant messaging service providers, extending the advantages of SIMapse to a wider range of subscribers.
 
Instant messaging on handsets is in strong demand and thanks to SIMapse, Axalto allows mobile operators to tap into this enormous potential and increase their revenue stream. Axalto has developed a solution that uses Java0 SIM cards and SIM Toolkit technology, which provides operators with a simple, fast and affordable means to extend IM services to all their subscribers. SIMapse offers operators a fully interoperable solution to leverage the instant messaging experience.
 
“SIMapse is an ideal way for operators to replicate the success of instant messaging in the wireless world,” commented Philippe Vrignaud, director mobile communications at Axalto. “The business case is very straightforward for our mobile telecommunication operator clients, and, based on the strong appetite and familiarity young users currently demonstrate for this interactive approach, we anticipate rapid adoption of this technology.”