Get in the picture with MMS

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) now enables people to use their MMS capable mobile phone to exchange full colour pictures, animations, sound and text with anyone who has a similarly equipped MMS handset.

And in those situations where a person receiving a multimedia message doesn't have a suitable phone, the information being sent won't be lost. These people will instead receive an SMS text message containing a Web address, and that address will point to a site where the message can be accessed in full multimedia format.

Although just out of the "technological" starting blocks, MMS is already having an impact in the market place. And its influence is expected to grow steadily as more mobile phones, equipped with a colour screen and built-in camera, are sold.

Examples of the sorts of information that are now being communicated with a multimedia component include; daily news reports (complete with pictures); output from popular Web cams (you can now check out the latest surf conditions at your favourite beach); and of course, electronic Christmas greetings.

Companies are now eagerly looking for business opportunities to take advantage of what MMS technology has to offer.

One example of where it's expected to revolutionise the manner in which business is conducted is in the real estate industry. Both buyers and the agents have the potential to save significant amounts of time when pictures of properties are readily accessible using a mobile phone.

One Australian company that has already implemented a business system using the MMS technology is IS Global.

It has developed a product called "eZe Watch" which is an interactive, monitoring and recording security solution that uses common PC technology.

Warwick Roberts, IS Global technical director, explains that when eZe Watch is put into operational mode, it will wait until motion is detected, and then record a series of still pictures or video on the PC. At the same time, an SMS message is sent to the owner (or to as many people as desired), alerting them to the fact that motion has been detected. The user, via simple SMS commands, can turn the system on or off, check the status and so on.

Roberts, who is in charge of programming and design at IS Global, adds that his company, working in conjunction with Optus, has now extended the functionality of the eZe Watch system to include MMS technology.

"This means that when motion is detected we can also send a picture, or pictures, to a suitable mobile phone. A user can also send an SMS message to eZe Watch to take a picture, then send it to him or her via MMS," Roberts says.

The eZe Watch package is available in two versions. The basic eZe Watch is for a single PC, while the Pro version runs on a network and supports up to 20 cameras, with one camera per PC.

The minimum system requirements for a basic version of the eZe Watch system are a Windows PC, a Logitech Web Camera (a spare USB port is needed to connect the camera), and a GSM modem (connection via a serial port) with a SIM card for user interaction and management.

Examples of features that have been incorporated into eZe Watch include the option to choose between recording still pictures or video, the functionality to pre-set the times of operation, an expansive contact list, and most importantly, the capability to remotely control the application.

According to Roberts, there are three major benefits offered by an eZe Watch security system.

The first, and most obvious one, is that a user can have a picture of what the camera sees in a very short period of time. This extra visual piece of information can then help them to make informed decisions regarding the threat to the security of their premises.

Second is the flexibility that the system provides. It can be used as either a first step monitoring solution, or alternatively, as a security add on to an existing solution.

And third is its ease of use. The product installs with the assistance of a user-friendly wizard in a few minutes; the application doesn't require maintenance; and help is available via phone or email if needed.

Developed from an original idea by Roberts as a way of improving his own home security, he reports that eZe Watch has been in pilot installations for 9 months, and the company is now preparing for a sales launch (sales in Europe will commence January, 2003).

"The feedback from all pilot customers has been very positive," says Roberts.

So we can only wait and see if MMS will prove as popular with people as SMS has. For more information about MMS, point your browser at the following section of the Optus Web site: www.optus.com.au/mms

Tony Stevenson is the author of the two best selling Internet books, The Australian Guide to the Internet and The Australian Guide to Online Business". His company also publishes the two popular, free email newsletters, "Internet Update" and "Sites of the Day". These newsletters are distributed to readers in more than a dozen countries.