Xura, a new company that is the newly merged entity of Comverse and Acision, launches Message Everywhere, a cloud-based, cross-device messaging service that can used even in feature phones. The service will enable SMS, MMS, Voicemail and IP messaging from operators' platform. The service is available across web and laptop clients including Windows and Mac OS, extending messaging capabilities to SIM-less devices. The product is the first to be released under the Xura brand.
Now u can send & receive messages from anyone, anytime, anywhere across any device - #MessageEverywhere from Xura https://t.co/5bulogaG2l
— i_am_Xura (@i_am_Xura) October 7, 2015
According to Xura, with multi-device connectivity on the rise and 40% of adults now multi-device users, more and more individuals require access to their messages irrespective of which device they are currently using. Additionally, while the Over-The-Top (OTT) messaging market has exploded worldwide, with consumers now turning to these services to connect and communicate, they still need a smart device to work, and most devices only allow users to communicate with contacts that are on the same platform.
Xura said that by extending SMS and MMS services to web, laptop and tablet devices, users can continue a conversation from the same mobile number even when they switch devices or a phone is switched off. In one click, the service can be set up, with no app download required, and the contacts address book being automatically synched, added the company.
Nicolas Appert, EVP, Monetization, at Xura
Today OTT services only work in silos and cannot reach the 42% of mobile users worldwide still on feature phones, which leaves a significant gap in the market. Worldwide, smartphones will not overtake feature phones until at least 2018, so SMS remains strong, particularly in emerging markets.
