What Everyone Should Know About MIM?

Many of the users don't get the difference between SMS and MIM (Mobile Instant Messaging). So this article is meant to answer most of the questions people have regarding what MIM about.

MIM (Mobile Instant Messaging) is a real time on-line communication service between two or more people using cell phone as the host device. It is also called Personal IM. It is realized by the mean of typed in text. This service works at any cell phone running an OS that support the function and is connected to Internet.

MIM requires a client program that hooks up an instant messaging service. The messages are sent instantly in real time. Services assure information about people's status (off- or on-line), etc.

There is the possibility to connect to a instant messaging service with a multi-protocol instant messaging application. This allows one MIM client to connect to multiple MIM networks.

GSM IM systems work in the same way PC IM does. Today there are around 8 GSM providers which offer instant messaging service. The mobile applications can be downloaded from different independent developers such as MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk, AIM, ICQ and corporate providers like LCS, Sametime, Reuters.

The systems are interconnected to allow the client a wider access to different parts of the world. The sender is charged for each IM message sent.

Guidelines

Instant messages on different mobile networks or on PCs
The users can send instant messages to any of the mobile networks having a special agreement. Also you should be sure that the receiver of your message is connected to the MIM community.

Usage of 'extras' similar to those on fixed IM services
MIM service is designed to resemble the similar fixed Internet service. The actual design and the interface of the service differs slightly. However, core functions of instant messaging are available.

Conference chat session
MIM service make it possible to chat with several persons at the same time. Users are able to see the conversation 'tree'.

Presence status
Personal IM works just as fixed Internet IM services when it is about presence status. It indicates such statuses as 'unavailable', 'on-line', 'ready to chat', etc.

Appropriate devices
Most of the latest cell phone models support mobile instant messaging. And if you own a smartphone than you can be sure you are into chat. Your cell phone is not enough to get connected, the provider of mobile telephone should also support the service.

MIM vs. SMS
The major priority of MIM comparing to SMS is the instant exchange of messages. It gives to users a unique opportunity to communicate with each other and in groups in a real time. At the same time it allows a greater exchange of information.

MIM vs. other services
Most of services that exist today are off-net instant messaging services. So MIM is a real alternative to an on-net instant messaging service. Though it is believed that MIM is more dangerous as it can accept spam and viruses, still adopting a trusted mobile environment will assure protection from malicious content.

Today MIM service reaches almost any point of our planet. The world's leading mobile operators are working on creating even more developed services, such as videoconferencing, etc.