The integration of SMS with voice based technology

This paper presents one of the major aspects of a pan-European project called GAIA (Generic Architecture for Information Availability). The aim of GAIA is to set up an electronic commerce demonstrator based on a supplier independent architecture, operating in a non-monopolistic supply chain, and capable of supporting the search, retrieval and request for delivery of information, goods and services, as well as the delivery of information in the digital domain. In addition, the demonstrator will address the all-electronic and secure management of payment and subsequent royalty distribution in the following three sectors: music, publishing and technical data. This paper presents the achievements of the early trials undertaken as part of the project focused specifically on the role of GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and SMS (the GSM Short Message Service) as the underlying technology for GAIA compliant requests and delivery notification. This study examines ways in which SMS could be used as a transport medium to underpin the information gateways-as GAIA's contribution towards the development of the "universal mailbox" concept.