Those who believe MMS is dead are wrong. Even though WAP push may be cheaper to deliver an SMS, clicking on the WAP Push link still costs the end user the transmission cost of the content. Although an MMS may cost 5-10 cents, that same content over the mobile web could cost $2.00 if the content is 200kb at $0.01 per kb.

Of course I’ll point out the obvious, we’re all mobile savvy power users here and probably all have flat rate data plans. Unfortunetly, the majority of people in the U.S. don’t. an MMS will consistently cost less to the consumer across all user levels.

Another argument for MMS is that MMS is already built into the most phones. Where as applications require some method of deliver.

I think there are different ways to look at the the way people use the mobile device. For the majority of users, they will use what is most readily available. Simple analogy, people use SMS because it’s quick and effective, the previous argument is like saying SMS will be dead and people in the future will only use mobile web email to message each other.

Once we have interoperability and brands start to utilize MMS for more than just pictures, start using SMIL and developing good experiences via MMS, the technology will start to see uptake at a higher rate.

Didn’t mean to offend anyone, but I get pretty spirited about some issues. I’m a mobile marketer like you all and really appreciate the perspectives.

I also just started a brand spankin’ new site for mobile marketing gurus like yourselves that adds a brand and ad agency perspective. If you guys ever want to contribute content or talk about your products or perspectives, please let me know.

David
http://www.mobilemarketingforbrands.com

RE: MMS up (MO), the problem is you have to send the MMS to an email address. Until there are MO shortcodes, sending to an email cofuses the end-user - they think they need a Blackberry and/or they have to email it from Gmail etc.

Don’t disagree that MMS is growing P2P but I’m not sure you are going to see commercial MMS in A2P (app to provider) and P2A.

Obviously as phones get better and connection speeds faster, there would need to be a very compelling reason to prefer MMS. But we’re not there yet.

Russell

See also 2005 http://telephonyonline.com/mag/telecom_potential_mms/
and 2003
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NZB/is_1_5/ai_97574841
etc.
MMS is basically a gonner in the short to medium term.

No use for content providers - just send a link to a mobile friendly website instead - less expensive, better user experience and it is much more likely to work.

Users do send photos - until they start to see the bills. Internet sharing will replace MMS - especially as people start to want to share Mobile to TV or mobile to PC as well as mobile to mobile.

I’m an avid Facebook user and am always looking for different way to stay in touch with others — perhaps sharing a mini slideshow of what’s happening will be the next big thing.

I have always believed that MMS has tremendous potential, and have been patiently waiting for all the pieces to fall into place (interoperability, cost, etc). But MMS is still not really ready in the US for prime time, but it’s coming.

ceo