First Hop launches Message Router 3.0 for flexible, scalable application connectivity to SMS and MMS

First Hop, the leading messaging management company, today launched First Hop Message Router 3.0 for seamless connectivity to different types of messaging centres. With its comprehensive support for all mobile message types supported by handsets today, including MMS and binary text messages, First Hop Message Router enables operators to connect diverse applications to messaging centres globally.

First Hop Message Router 3.0 builds upon the success of the previously launched Message Gateway and Message Router 2.0 by fully complying with the MMS specifications from 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Program). The new features of the product include support for Nokia's and Ericsson's MMSCs and support for the standard MM7 protocol for connecting to other vendors MMSC environments. The product also contains application-centric MMSC functionality through the built-in MM1 interface and provides a unified Java API (Application Programming Interface) for SMS/EMS/MMS.

First Hop Message Router is a scalable and fault-tolerant messaging platform for flexible and vendor-independent routing of messages between mobile terminals and mobile messaging services. The product provides straightforward and easy integration of SMS and MMS interfaces to service applications, management systems, and billing systems. Service applications connect to Message Router using one of the available application interfaces (e.g. Java, XML/HTTP, 3GPP MM7, SMPP, CIMD). Message Router then enforces harmonized business rules to all messages traveling through the system. The business rules define the routing and billing functionality applied to the messages, but may also be extended to cover more advanced functionality like authentication, access control management, and MSISDN shadowing for user identity hiding.

Routing, load-balancing and managing the flow of messages between applications and SMSC/MMSC connections, First Hop Message Router allows operators to increase message throughput, control the service level assigned for each service and promote service availability. Operators will be able to speed up their time-to-market, enforce harmonised, feature-rich billing options for services across all messaging technologies, and offer services in all SMSC/MMSC environments, vendor-independently.

"As the messaging market will be driven by application messaging, the key to success for operators is to efficiently manage their services in a multi-vendor, multi-standard environment. However, their current network messaging centres are not optimised for that," asserts Timo T. Laaksonen, First Hop CEO. "Consistent with First Hop's aim to provide true value to our customers, I am proud to say that First Hop Message Router 3.0 solves exactly the challenges that operators are struggling with today."

First Hop Message Router 3.0 integrates with First Hop Messaging Manager to implement a service-provisioning environment between the operator and third-party service providers. While First Hop Message Router handles the any-service-to-any-terminal" connectivity in a multi-standard, multi-vendor environment, First Hop Messaging Manager unifies service management across messaging technologies.

About First Hop
First Hop provides scalable messaging management and wireless connectivity products for mobile operators and service providers. A proven leader in multi-vendor messaging solutions, First Hop generates immediate business benefits and provides a clear evolution path to future technologies. Founded in 1997, the company is headquartered in Helsinki with additional locations in Singapore, Spain, and the UK. For further information, please visit www.firsthop.com.