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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4) |
Message archive feature is available
to review previously received or sent messages.
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5) |
The application can be configured for
both single and multiple user environments.
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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. |
How it works:
The application is divided
into the following modules:
A)
B)
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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:
1) |
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.
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2) |
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.
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3) |
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.
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4) |
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.
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5) |
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. |
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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.
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The cost per messages is nominal and
can further be reduced through direct SMPP connection
with the service provider.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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