System and method for threading short message service (SMS) messages with multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages

摘要

The present invention is directed to a method and system for associating Short Message Service (SMS) messages with Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages. The invention receives a first MMS message that is directed to an SMS client. The first MMS message is assigned a unique reply telephone number. A first SMS message is created from the first MMS message by replacing the sender's address in said first MMS message with the unique reply telephone number and by removing overhead information. The first SMS message is sent to the SMS client. A reply to said first SMS message in the form of a second SMS message addressed to the unique reply address is received from the SMS client. A second non-SMS message is created from the second SMS message by replacing the unique reply address with the original sender's address and by adding at least part of the overhead information.