Instant Messaging in the Internet world and SMS messaging in the mobile phone world are tremendously successful applications as they facilitate direct communication between users. With the advent of 3G mobile networks, information about the position, and movements of individual users will become available. It is essential for telecommunication companies to explore the potential benefits of integrating information about the current location of users into their existing services. 

There are numerous highly attractive potential applications. Some of these include: Users tracking the positions of other (consenting) users, which will be helpful for businesses and families; users could form circles or communities of friends, colleagues or professional groups and be alerted if other group members are available and happen to be in the vicinity; users could specify personality profiles and personal interests to initiate contact with like-minded users at specific locations; and users could receive information and promotions if desired, tailored to their current position.

What are the main objectives of this Project?

The overall objective of the Mobile Presence project is to develop a set of prototype services from instant person-to-person communication services like SMS and Instant Messaging (IM) by integrating information about the current availability state of users and about their location and their current network environment.

The project is planned into two main phases to allow a later inclusion of further participants in order to carry out the work in phase 2, in particular the implementation of prototypes. Phase 2 can only start if sufficient additional resources will be offered.

Phase 1:

• Within phase 1, the project will carry out an analysis of the state-of-the art study and a collection of user and service requirements. The objectives are:

•  Investigate available technologies related to presence management 

• Investigate available technologies related to location-based services 

• Investigate activities within standards bodies and forums in relevant areas of interest for the project

• Evaluation solutions and products from vendors

• Develop application scenarios and identify new messaging services.

• Gather user and service requirements

Phase 2 

Phase 2 is concerned with the architecture and the design of a Mobile Presence service. A prototype implementation will be developed and tested. The following objectives will be covered:

• System requirements and business opportunities

• Architecture and Design of an MP service

• Product Evaluation

• Service Application Prototype

• Testing & Debugging

• Enhancements to MP prototype

• Business Opportunities

What are the key results for this Project?

The key results of phase 1 is an overview on available technologies and on user and service requirements to build mobile presence services as a new business. In phase 2 the implementation of a service prototype will be carried out and a business model will be developed.

What relationship exists to other organisations or bodies?

Relationships to related projects and fora will be maintained