le through 3G and 2G mobile networks, fixed networks, the Internet etc. To facilitate interoperability and universal mes- saging access, MMS will comply with the virtual home environment (VHE) (Chapter 15). Implementation - The multimedia message service (MMS) introduces new messaging platforms to mobile networks in order to enable MMS. These platforms are the MMS relay, MMS server, MMS user databases and new WAP gateways. MMS requires not only new network infrastructures but also new MMS compliant terminals. MMS is not compatible with old terminals, which means, that before it can be widely used, MMS terminals must reach a certain penetration, and that will take at least a couple of years. MMS is like SMS, a non-real time service. A relay platform routes multimedia messages to MMS servers. The multimedia messaging architecture (see Figure 8.24) has a number of key elements that are part of a multimedia message service environment (MMSE). The interworking key elements defined by the 3GPP are: MMS relay MMS server (or servers) MMS store (or stores) MMS user agent MMS user databases The MMS relay is responsible for the transfer of messages between different messaging systems. MMS relay is therefore responsible for transcoding multimedia message format, interacting and interworking with other platforms, and enabling access to various servers residing in different networks and the like. 00900 Message store Operator database database server Internet/ E-mail server, Access Intranet UM mail box WAPGW/ network relay Multimedia content relay server Figure 8.24 Example of structure of MMS. MMS is basically peer to peer, but has substantial network support. MMS cooperates with SMS and provides access to MM stores and servers Understanding Changing Telecommunications - Building a Successful Telecom Business SMS-C sends E-mail attachments Voice mail Fax mail messages as Internet/ SMS to SMS-C Intranet for delivery to non-MM Unified SMS-C terminals messaging UM pushes selected E-mail to MMS-C for 00300 immediate delivery to te