INSTANT MESSAGING OVER UNSTRUCTURED SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE DATA (USSD)

摘要

The present invention provides an instant messaging (IM) method and system using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) as an enabler. The subscriber makes a USSD call which is routed through the mobile network operator of the user to a particular USSD Service-code which is then directed towards IM over USSD platform using any of standard protocols like SMPP/ HTTP/DB etc. IM over USSD Platform provides initial menu to the user giving various options to login / register / chat etc. Simultaneously, IM over USSD Platform initiates IM sessions with third party IM servers for each user using open-standard APIs and bridges this IM session and USSD session. User may reply to friend or initiate another USSD session by suffixing a code to the user-id to USSD service-code and start chatting. Replies to logged-in user is sent through SMS / Network-initiated USSD Request or logged into user's inbox depending on user's preference.