• PC Utilities
• Wireless Internet
• E-Learning
• OCR

The Objective:

To create software that would allow two-way communication between the PC and a mobile handheld.

What is SMS Secretary?

SMS Secy enables the secretary to use her PC for two-way communication with the executive (her boss) by sending an SMS to his mobile phone. The executive is able to reply to the secretary's message by sending an SMS from his mobile phone back to her PC.

The entire feature runs from a SIM based menu with predefined replies. The executive can select one of the standard replies from the drop down menu on his mobile phone or he can key in his own message.

Key Features of SMS Secretary:

1. Once the software is installed on the secretary's PC and the menu is installed on the executive's mobile phone SIM card, the secretary can send a message to the executive (e.g. if she wishes to request his confirmation/cancellation of a scheduled meeting, or she wishes to remind him of any important task or, appointment), which will be received on his handset. The executive can reply to the secretary by selecting any one of the predefined replies pre-installed on his SIM card, or by typing in his own personalized message that will be delivered to her PC immediately.
   
   The most important benefit is that secretary doesn't need to call the executive every time, she will just have to type the message and with a single click the message will be sent to the executive's mobile number. On other hand even if the executive is busy in a meeting, the SMS will not disturb him and he can reply in an unobtrusive manner hence ensuring that important decisions are taken in a timely manner and he is able to make the most productive use of his scarce time.

   
   

2. The secretary can send or broadcast messages to multiple people at the same time. In this case she only has to select multiple mobile phone numbers from the phone book.

   
   

3. The secretary can send a further reply to the message received from the executive as well as forward any important message received to other executives. In this case she will not have to retype the whole message.

   
   

4. Message archive feature is available to review previously received or sent messages.

   
   

5. The application can be configured for both single and multiple user environments.

   
   

6. In the default option of delivery status of messages active, the secretary will be able to keep track of whether a message has actually been delivered over the network, what time the message was delivered to the executive or whether the message is still pending delivery due to some reason in which case she has the option of re-sending the same message.

   
   

Client module This is the client-end application of the SMS Secretary, which would be installed on the secretary's PC. This module is developed using Visual Basic, Microsoft Foundation Classes and ActiveX Technology. The complete incoming and outgoing SMS archive is stored in XML DOM structure, thus the user does not need to have any additional database installed on his/her PC. Winsock Communication Component is used for client connectivity with the remote server. Server Module The Server module consists of the following: Authentication Module Whenever any request is received for sending/downloading SMS, this component checks the requesting user's authenticity against his/her registration, and then forwards the request to the other components. SMS Gateway This is one of the key components of this product. This module converts any SMS that is to be transmitted into an 8-bit PDU format. Similarly, this module also converts any SMS that is received in the PDU format, into a text format. A unique proprietary logic is used for these conversions. Message Writer/Extractors These are the ASP scripts used to write the message in the message queue to be transmitted to the mobile phone. These scripts also allow the PC based client application to download any messages received from the mobile phone. SMS Dispatcher This module is invoked whenever any new message is received on the GSM modem. In a multiple user environment where several secretaries are dealing with multiple executives as in a sales force type of environment, this module checks the incoming message sender's mobile phone number and dispatches it to the corresponding recipient's PC inbox. SMS Sending and Receiving Modules These modules perform the task of sending and receiving SMS. These modules write standard AT commands on the GSM modem. There are several precautions that need to be taken before sending/receiving any SMS like checking signal level and clearing previously received or sent data from the buffer.   Benefits to Business: SMS has always been a quick and economical means of communication. We used this next generation bearer service to create the SMS Secretary application, which offers many advantages to businesses. The cost per messages is nominal and can further be reduced through direct SMPP connection with the service provider. Quicker means of communication is provided through instant delivery of messages on the executive's mobile handheld without the need for personal intervention as in the case of a phone call. Rare chances of data loss, because the data is safe at the service center until the message is delivered. So even when the executive is not within the network range, he receives the message as soon as he comes within the network range. Enables the field executives to give continuous real-time feedback to headquarters and also remain updated on changes in schedule, tasks etc. without the expense of making several phone calls. Enables the busy executive to constantly update his work schedule and make the best use of time while avoiding the disruptive influence of phone calls and eliminates the need for tedious typing of messages by selecting pre-defined replies.