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Xura Launches Message Everywhere

Xura has launched Message Everywhere, a cloud-based, cross-device messaging service, which allows users to send and receive messages to anyone, at anytime, anywhere, across all devices. The service will enable SMS, MMS, Voicemail and IP messaging from a platform offered by operators. The product is the first to be released by the new company Xura, recently formed by the combination of Comverse and Acision.

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. Message Everywhere integrates with all messaging services delivered by operators so that users can text everyone, everywhere, across any device, even feature phones.

Nicolas Appert, EVP, Monetization, at Xura commented: “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. With Message Everywhere, operators can still gain value from their SMS and MMS services by delivering messages in a way that addresses how consumers are using their devices, and with the convenience they crave.”

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.

Appert concludes: “Message Everywhere taps into the opportunity for operators to open new revenue streams from their existing messaging services, but also helps them to compete with OTT services by offering a richer, integrated, more seamless and more accessible service which includes voice and IP messaging.”

The service is available across web and laptop clients including Windows and Mac OS, extending messaging capabilities to SIM-less devices.