Back to Archived News
TCS Issued Patent for Sending Text Messages to Web Servers
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Invention Can Be Used to Enable Wireless Content Services and Voting Campaigns
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (Nasdaq: TSYS), a leading provider of mission-critical wireless communications, today announced the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued patent number 7,355,990 for "Mobile-Originated to HTTP Internet Communications." The patent describes a means for triggering an Internet informational query or search using a simple text message originated from a cell phone or mobile device, and is widely used today for two-way premium messaging services.
This TCS invention allows a wireless user to send a short message to a predefined address that represents an IP Server and to receive a return message back. A simple example is to send a query to the short code 4636, "INFO," and receive a response from a web-based server. The patent provides the basis for wireless users to participate in text message marketing and voting campaigns, such as those utilized by popular television contest shows, search for local information through text messages, such as SMS 411 services, on-demand pull services and popular mobile local search services. Text messaging as an interactive medium is facilitated by Common Short Codes, a 5 or 6 digit number to which a user can send a text message and receive a response. M:Metrics forecasts that the U.S. Mobile Marketing industry will be $2.9 billion by 2011.
"A mobile phone is now the third screen for consumer brand, enterprise and entertainment companies to reach customers," said Drew Morin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer for TCS. "Text messaging is the best medium for interacting with wireless users, as virtually all users can receive and respond to text messages. This patent combines these two to create a powerful tool for internet access from mobile devices."
This TCS patent is related to a previous TCS patent: "Short Messaging Service Center Mobile-Originated to HTTP Internet Communications." The TCS patent portfolio contains 59 patents and over 190 patent applications in the U.S. and abroad.
About The Invention
The "Mobile-Originated to HTTP Internet Communications" patent provides a method and an apparatus for sending short messages from wireless handsets to external applications using a variety of Internet Protocol (IP) methods, including HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Short Messaging Peer-to-Peer (SMPP). The patent also describes methods in which a reply text message is sent back from the application to the wireless user.
About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (Nasdaq: TSYS) produces wireless data communications technology solutions that require proven high levels of reliability. TCS provides wireless and VoIP E9-1-1 network-based services, secure deployable communication systems, engineered satellite-based services, and commercial location applications, like traffic and navigation, using the precise location of a wireless device. Customers include leading wireless, cable MSOs, and VoIP carriers around the world, and agencies of the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security. For more information, visit www.telecomsys.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that if incorrect would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Risks include those detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.
Back to Archived News
