Xura, the company formed following Comverses acquisition of Acision, has launched Message Everywhere, a cloud-based, cross-device messaging service, which aims to enable mobile operators to fight back against the revenues they are losing to OTT services.
Message Everywhere integrates with all messaging services delivered by operators to enable users to text anyone, anywhere, across mobiles, tablets and PCs, via SMS, MMS, voicemail and IP messaging.
“Today OTT services only work in silos and cannot reach the 42 per cent of mobile users worldwide still on feature phones, which leaves a significant gap in the market,” said Nicolas Appert, EVP, monetization, at Xura. “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, says Xura, users can continue a conversation from the same mobile number even when they switch devices or a phone is switched off. In one click, the service can be set up, with no app download required, and the contacts address book automatically synched. IP messages can also be sent to other connected service members, and all messages are stored and archived in the cloud.
The service is available across web and laptop clients including Windows and Mac OS.
