The mobile phone was originally designed to enhance the ease of communication but with the fast changing technology, is it still serving this same purpose? From its evolution, it started off as a simple device that could make and receive calls and send and receive short messages and now, they could do right about anything once you install the right software. Question is: do we really need them?

In this time and age, I believe they are more of a necessity than a useful device. In addition to its basic functionalities, it has gone as far as playing music from your radio stations, watching your favorite TV stations to serving all your computer functions. In essence, your mobile phone is everything you need in this technological era without having to worry about bulk.

Why are mobile phones necessary?

The world is turning into a small village and despite the distance between states; mobile phones bring people closer together. Through wireless connections, you get to communicate with your loved ones from all over the world through making calls and sending text messages at anytime and from any place you choose to.

With the provision of cameras and the internet, you can easily share special moments with friends and family as well. Although some people will hack into people’s privacy and use their information for malpractice, we still can’t avoid using these facilities. You can imagine taking a photo in one country and in seconds, a friend or relative will receive it on the other side of the world. The camera will also serve the purpose of saving important moments just for you instead of carrying around a bulky camera. Technology has improved mobile phone’s camera resolution making it possible to take clear nice photos. You can also record videos and store them for memories sake.

You can also store documents and files as well. As long as your phone has enough capacity to hold all that you consider necessary, you are good to go. Technology has made it possible to increase your storage capacity with different size memory cards suitable for mobile phones.

You can also surf the internet from your mobile phone. This means that you can download and upload anything you so wish without a bulky laptop or desktop. Truth be said, they are simple, portable devices that with a variety of services that you would have accessed using different devices previously. With these devices, you can do this anywhere even while on the move.

Even with these advantages, they are preventing people from meeting face to face. With the ease of finding out how people are doing and if things are running smoothly through a simple phone call, people are not finding reason to meet face to face.

Medically, research shows that they spread Radiation which is hazardous for its users and may cause cancer.

Despite these few setbacks, we must agree that mobile phones have made our lives easier. With the right use of these devices, we are probably safe from any harm that they may cause. It is important to keep in mind that we are responsible for making inventions harmful or harmless.

Source by Kush Kaniaru

1. Introduction

There are various cellular systems in the world, such as the GSM and CDMA. The design of these cellular systems are complicated but the architecture of most cellular systems can be broken down into six basic components.

In this article, I will illustrate the six basic components that can be found in most cellular systems.

2. Six basic components of Cellular Systems

The architecture of most cellular systems can be broken down into the following six components:

a) Mobile Station (MS)

A mobile station is basically a mobile/wireless device that contains a control unit, a transceiver and an antenna system for data and voice transmission. For example, in GSM networks, the mobile station will consist of the mobile equipment (ME) and the SIM card.

b) Air Interface Standard

There are three main air interface protocols or standards: frequency division multiple access (FDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA). These standards are basically the medium access control (MAC) protocols that define the rules for entities to access the communication medium.

These air interface standards allow many mobile user to share simultaneously the finite amount of radio channels.

c) Base Station (BS)

A base station is a fixed station in a mobile cellular system used for radio communications with mobile units. They consist of radio channels and transmitter and receiver antenna mounted on a tower.

d) Databases

Another integral component of a cellular system is the databases. Databases are used to keep track of information like billing, caller location, subscriber data, etc. There are two main databases called the Home Location Register (HLR) and Visitor Location Register (VLR). The HLR contains the information of each subscriber who resides in the same city as the mobile switching center (MSC). The VLR temporarily stores the information for each visiting subscriber in the coverage area of a MSC. Thus, the VLR is the database that supports roaming capability.

e) Security Mechanism

The security mechanism is to confirm that a particular subscriber is allowed to access the network and also to authenticate the billing.

There are two databases used for security mechanism: Equipment Identify Register (EIR) and Authentication Center (AuC). The EIR identifies stolen or fraudulently altered phones that transmit identity data that does not match with information contained in either the HLR or VLR. The AuC, on the other hand, manages the actual encryption and verification of each subscriber.

f) Gateway

The final basic component of a cellular system is the Gateway. The gateway is the communication links between two wireless systems or between wireless and wired systems. There are two logical components inside the Gateway: mobile switching center (MSC) and interworking function (IWF).

The MSC connects the cellular base stations and the mobile stations to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or other MSC. It contains the EIR database.

The IWF connects the cellular base stations and the mobile stations to Internet and perform protocol translation if needed.

3. Conclusion

This article aims to provide an introductory guide to the architecture of a typical cellular system and identify the six basic components found in most cellular systems. This article offers an insight towards how a cellular system is designed although different cellular systems may have variations in their own implementations.

Source by Dennis Chang

It’s a fairly safe bet to say that most stores display posters, whether in their window displays or mounted on their walls. These posters are one of the best ways to get customer attention and inform them of a multitude of information in the process. I know that if I see a sign in the window of a store I like saying “Clearance, all Clothes 50% Off!” I’m making a beeline right for those bins to see what goodies they have in there. If the stores are a part of a large chain, there is a chance that they’re getting all of their signage and other equipment from the home or regional office. But smaller stores, places that only have few locations or are family owned and operated, may not have the luxury of a higher up office sending them all of the pre-printed posters and tools. So they’re on their own to come up with their custom designed posters and to find the right way to display them as well. I believe that this is great for the stores; it means they can come up with an advertisement that’s been designed to their exact specifications to fulfill their needs. These days, however, budget is always a concern. Custom printing can run up a bill quickly. Why not try then to find supplies, like hanging frames and poster mounts, at a more affordable price in order to keep the business’ marketing budget exactly where it should be? Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive indoor hangers for stores and companies to choose from to accomplish that goal.

If you’re looking for the cheapest style of poster display around, then take a look at plastic poster rail hangers. They’re pretty much exactly as it says on the tin – two plastic rails that clamp around the top and bottom edges of a poster. They’re lightweight but strong, and gravity helps to keep the poster taut while hanging. With these rails and the right hardware (usually cords, chains, or suction cups), you’ve got the option of displaying them in a multitude of ways. Mount them directly on windows, or hang them from the ceiling to make a double-sided display. Many types of these plastic poster rails are priced for under $10.00 a set, making them great for bulk orders. If you want to set up signage around your entire store, not just a singular sign in the front window or door of an establishment, then these rails are the supply for you. There are similar poster rails available that are made out of metal for a more upscale look as well. No matter which model you choose, the price is affordable. The only thing in regards to these poster rails is that your poster is not protected from potential damage. Dust and sunlight could potentially fade your images depending on where they’re set up in the store, and there’s always the possibility of a holiday accident (if you’re in a mall in December, things happen. Best to be prepared).

A sturdier choice that still has the unique hanging feature of the poster rails is a ceiling hanging acrylic frame. These are a little more expensive than the poster rails above, yet still well within the range of affordable. The rectangular frames are made from clear acrylic, which helps to keep the images protected from sun and possible disturbance. There’s usually just one slot on the top to slide posters in and out of the frame which makes for easy image changes that you may not even have to take the frame down in order to accomplish. Given that the frame is entirely clear, these frames can also make convenient dual-sided displays as well as a one-sided against the wall hanging frame. Just insert two posters back to back, and you’re set. Many times the singular frames come with the needed hardware to hang the frames from the ceiling, however extra frames (that are still inexpensive!) can be bought in order to expand into an entire exhibit or to combine multiple sizes in one display.

For a different sort of window display, check out suction cup poster frames. Unlike the two previous choices, these frames were designed specifically to attach right onto a window pane. The images and posters inside the frames are kept safe behind acrylic panels, and can be easily unscrewed to change and update the contained pictures. What’s nice about these displays is that the poster frames have a more decorative appearance. They can be found in a number of colors, like red and black, to give your advertisement that little extra attraction. While the prices on these suction cup holders vary depending on color and size, the cost is in the same general range as the other categories. One note, however: because these frames were designed specifically for windows they are slightly limited. They can only hang from windows, while the other styles listed above can be used in at least two different ways.

If you’re looking for a display that’s geared specifically for wall-mounting, you really can’t go wrong with the classic snap frame. This standard rectangular shape is pretty much the first one that comes to mind when people think of a poster frame. Oftentimes there is a PVC anti-glare lens to protect your posters, and the metal frames are designed to be long lasting. You wouldn’t have to remove the frame from the wall to update images (a necessity when it comes time for those clearance sales!), and they can usually be found in a wide range of colors and sizes. One way that this option wins out over the other three listed here is that snap frames are the only picture frames here that have been outdoor rated. While the others do keep your images protected, they are not waterproof. Certain snap frames have built in gaskets that stop water from sneaking in through the frames and keep your images nice and dry. Price-wise, these frames are pretty much in the same ballpark as the hanging acrylic frames. They’re a little more expensive than the plastic poster rails, but still easily affordable for stores and other establishments looking to create signage schemes.

It shouldn’t cost you and your store a fortune to hang signage up, especially this time of year. So no matter what size your budget is, or how many signs you want to put up in your store, you’ve got more options than you think. These frames will let you set up your signs exactly as you want them, and all for a price that’s incredibly reasonable.

Source by Elizabeth L Iacono

There are many factors which contribute to the growth of the businesses. It is the sales which actually determine the number of products or services being actually purchased by the customers. For increasing the sales, the leads play a vital role. Many of businesses are using various ways to get those leads which can ensure its sales growth. The main problem in generating those quality leads is the cost that is being incurred in it. However, there are many of the ways through which one can get the business leads at an affordable cost.

Here, we will see some of the ways through which, one can get business leads at an affordable cost:

1. SMS Marketing:

SMS Marketing is one of the easiest ways to get the business leads at an affordable cost. You just need to frame that attractive SMS which can excite your prospects to give you a call for knowing more or purchasing your product or service. You can even get mobile number database provider agencies where you can get the reliable numbers of your customers.

2. Email Marketing:

Email Marketing is another way through which you can get the leads at a minimum cost comparatively. The Email list provider agencies will charge for the Email Ids provided for you and you can purchase it easily as it may be of minimal cost. So, you can approach any of the Email Id database provider agencies and start sending the bulk Email to your prospects easily. You can describe your product and services very easily in your Email, which can give a proper insight into your product to the companies.

3. Article marketing:

In article marketing, you just need to write a nice article regarding or related to your product or services. The benefits of the product or services and how the customers can benefit from it, you can then add a link to your website or add contact number if possible at the end of it. The article further needs to be marketed properly and reach out to masses. You can either write your own article or outsource the writing which can be at minimal cost. This will definitely give you nice leads.

4. Getting referrals:

Wherever you go for business, you should always ask for the referrals. These referrals have the great possibility of turning into your customer. This will not incur any extra cost to you.

5. Networking Events:

The networking events are a very nice platform to network with the similar business person. They can probably give you some of the nice leads if they have nice contacts. This you can achieve in a very minimum cost.

These are some of the ways of getting business leads at an affordable cost. You should always try to get maximum benefit from these business leads.

Source by Nidhi Bajoria

SMS Marketing, according to the Nielsen Report, in the year 2008 United States cell phone users have sent and received on the average at least three hundred fifty seven text messages every month as to compared to voice calls of only two hundred four every month. The findings show that the Americans have adapted the text messaging system as their topmost means of communication. This is the most popular method of doing mobile marketing. In Europe alone, Short Message Service has been used for over one-hundred million advertising sent out in a month.

The system has been in application at a worldwide scope these days especially in the promotion of products and services of one’s business. Text messaging has already been the most popular form of communication for many agents and businessmen these days. This has proved to be very practical and very economical.

This type of marketing service assigns a short code of five to six digits for text messaging for outbound services. These numbers are assigned by mobile operators in every given country for the application of the telecommunications services. SMS or Short Message Service has been in use since the early 2000’s in Europe and certain parts of Asia particularly when businesses have started to collect mobile phone numbers and send off business text messages.

Codes with long digit numbers are internationally available which enable businesses to use their exclusive numbers, rather than using the short codes which are commonly shared among numerous brands. Additionally, long numbers are non-premium inbound numbers. For inbound services, SMS is given long numbers particularly for international format which can be applicable in lieu of premium-rated short messages or short codes for Short Messaging Service reception in various applications like product advertisements, promotions and campaigns.

SMS Marketing details and information on the codes being assigned for both local and international mobile phone messaging can be searched and checked online from some websites online. You may also inquire from the internet on certain websites the codes for sending email messages. The service is one of the most rapid growing systems for sales and marketing businesses these days.

Source by Rich Bocelli

SMS marketing is a highly evolved and result producing advertising method. Lots and lots of companies are making use of short message service to promote their products and services in an effective way. The benefits of this advanced marketing tool are really worth the money being spent on it. The following are some of the main advantages of SMS marketing.

1. Everyone carries their mobile wherever they go and involuntarily read any new incoming message. So your ad message will be immediately viewed and so SMS marketing is particularly useful for time-sensitive marketing campaigns.

2. Most SMS get read immediately unlike emails, so there is greater chance of your ad message being read.

3. And hence SMS marketing has higher response rate than other marketing strategies

4. Bulk SMS software comes at a very low price making this process highly cost effective.

5. The main advantage of this type of promotion is that it is very flexible.

Uses of SMS marketing

1. It helps a company to stay in touch with the customers through bulk SMS service and increases its customer loyalty.

2. Sending bulk SMS on new offers and discounts to the existing customer database can result in repeat sales.

3. When you launch a new product, service or campaign, it is very easy to get customer feedback by sending bulk SMS.

4. Some companies successfully use SMS marketing as a money raising tool by running some competition via SMS.

5. It is also very useful in attracting new customers.

Bulk SMS has gained tremendous importance in SMS marketing arena in recent years. Many companies are in search of an effective bulk SMS software to send in promotional messages to their target recipients. However, it is quite difficult for business owners to find reliable service providers who can offer them a collection of up-to-date and cost effective SMS marketing tools. Usually, bulk SMS software allows you to send bulk SMS directly from your excel database stored in your computer to the receiver’s mobile phone. Choosing a reliable service provider can help you to get a detailed and self explanatory demo of the entire process in order to understand the various aspects of this advertising tool. Also they are capable of providing detailed information on various tariff plans available. Through a single click you can deliver thousands of SMS to various recipients.

It is a reliable and affordable way to send your ad message through SMS to your customers, prospects or any other intended receiver. Services offered by reliable service providers are devoid of any hidden costs and the message can be delivered fast across all networks throughout the country.

Source by Moneek N Mehra

Well, this is an undeniable fact that for any site, one of the crucial concerns is the security. Even though Drupal claims that it is the safest and secure Content Management System (CMS) out there, you need to understand that nothing is entirely flawless, there is always a room for betterment. The same thing is applicable for this Drupal platform. Obviously, you can develop secure websites using this feature-rich and impeccable web development platform but here is a list of a few security modules offered by Drupal that would fortify the websites more than ever. Read on to know why most of the developers prefer these security modules.

#1 Login Security

The gateway to a website is the login page. Hence, this fact needs no extra clarification that this the most unsafe page. Using the ‘Login Security’ module, you can enable top-notch security to the login page of a Drupal website. What does this module offer? Read on.

→ You can block specific IP addresses from logging in to your website

→ You can set a limit to the total number of invalid login attempts just before blocking any particular account

→ You would get a notification through email of invalid login attempts

However, Login Security is available from Drupal version 7 onwards.

#2 Google Apps Authentication

With the help of this module, users have to log into the Drupal websites with credentials of the Google account. With Google’s reputation, the accessibility and security are not only acceptable but also impressive.

#3 Two-Factor Authentication

This is a popular measure of security. Most of the worldwide popular websites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google and Instagram use this authentication for security purposes. The moment a user logs into the website, user’s phone immediately receives a security code via SMS. The user needs to enter the security code to log in. This module is available as Alpha release for the Drupal version 8 and for the versions below it, this module is available as stable.

#4 Captcha

Well, Captcha is useful to get rid of spam bots and spammers. The stable version of this module is for the version 7 Drupal and Beta version is for Drupal 8.

#5 Security Review

Looking for an all-in-one Drupal security kit? This module would come very handy then. It not only analyses the website against different security threats but also does regular security checks. If it identifies any of the security measures at out-of-place or missing, it instantly notifies you. Moreover, it recommends necessary steps to take to avert the complicated situation.

So, these were some of the most popular security measures for a Drupal website. However, other options are also available in the market that can add extra security to a website.

Source by Rob Stephen

The world of marketing is a fast changing landscape. The digital age has provided the largest changes in marketing the industry has ever seen. While the changes that have been made is the ability to use bulk SMS to reach those you are marketing to. This has created some massive changes in the way that businesses and marketing agencies approach marketing in general. It has made it possible for companies to save money while getting the most effective form of marketing available.

The reason why these changes have been so effective is because they have caused marketing agencies to be more agile in the way that they approach marketing strategies. It also means that the messages that are being used in marketing campaigns need to be more concise. Additionally, the marketing strategy is more effective when using this kind of marketing technique. It is no wonder so many companies have been enjoying the results that this form of marketing can provide.

Creating More Agility in Marketing

In order to get the results that bulk SMS can offer advertising campaigns need to be more agile. This means that they need to be able to change quickly and easily to meet the changing needs of the marketing program. As the different messages are sent out, it is important to evaluate the results that they are receiving and make sure that the messages are being crafted in such a way as to keep providing the best possible message in marketing. By seeing instant results, it allows the instant conformity to a strategy that actually gets results.

More Concise Messages in Marketing

The message used in bulk SMS can not be a lengthy marketing message. The text message format is by nature an environment for brevity. Long text messages will be ignored and the recipient will ask to be removed from the list of recipients. This is why it is important to make sure that the message used in marketing is considered as completely as possible. It is one of the ways that you will be able to make sure that you are able to maintain the attention of your audience as well as the ability to market to the people you want to reach.

Increasing Effectiveness of Marketing Strategies

As a result of all the information provided from bulk SMS marketing strategies, it is possible to be more effective in the overall marketing strategy. The effectiveness of the marketing strategy is determined by your ability to pay attention to the kind of results you are getting on a regular basis. Constant evaluation and changes to the marketing strategy allows you to enjoy a more effective marketing strategy. This way, you will be assured the results you are looking for in your marketing campaign.

Source by Smith Francis

Today mobile phones have become the most popular medium of reaching maximum number of people at the same time. After newspapers and television, it has become a medium with the widest reach. We can easily understand how tempting it would be to use mobile phones as a method of product promotion. SMS is a very useful and effective method of connecting to a person. When we are making a call we are not really sure in which condition the person we are calling may be. We do not know whether he is in a position to receive our calls or not. If you are trying to market a product through verbal communication it is very difficult to convince the customers without annoying them. It’s possible you are making the call at an inappropriate time. If you are using media like hoardings, bill boards or print it’s difficult to make people pay attention to what you are saying. That’s precisely the reason why marketing people prefer SMS marketing for product promotion. Through SMS marketing the sender can send a message about the latest plans and products to the customer and he or she can read it as per convenience.

Still Growing

The world has become wireless champion after short messaging service was introduced. Even in countries where per capital income is on the lower side, the SMS service has become the marketers’ paradise. The world is going to have about 2 billion mobile phones in the near future out of which 200 million phones are being used only in United States. As a country US is among the largest mobile phone consumer in the world. Apart from calling and Internet use, the other most popular feature in mobile phones is SMS (Short Message Service). If you own or are working in a business with foresight, you will soon start thinking of using SMS marketing and the advantages provided by it. The target audience continues to grow and there are no apparent signs of any negative acceleration yet. SMS marketing provides you with unbelievable functionalities and a huge scope to work with. The method also allows you to gather feedbacks from your target market if you so desire. As a marketing tool, SMS is extremely rewarding, easy to use and simple.

The Right Target Market

SMS marketing allows you to reach out to mostly young people between 18 to 29 years old who are always on the look out for what is popular and in fashion all the time. SMS marketing unlike other mass media comes with an interesting twist. It allows you to hold a conversation with your potential customers. This allows your direct influence over the target market to grow manifold. You can now speak more persuasively and generate more revenue for less cost when compared to radio and television.

The SMS messages can be sent to any part of the world and VoIP switches make this process easier. SMS messages are first sent to PSTN operators of all the countries concerned after which the messages are sent to end users. Currently you can find numerous operators on the Internet who are having their own switches.

Source by Kathe Marion

Whether you belong to a league of marketing giants or if you are just a mere startup – The need to widespread your brand’s core value is the decisive factor. Companies allocate high budgets for the sake of brand management, which may vary from industry to industry. However, brand marketing is one such area where businesses never forget to leave an impression.

The digital era is loaded with quick changing metrics and as businesses, it is important to increase brand awareness within the market and most importantly, within the customers.

What can be the most result oriented practice for increasing brand awareness?

The answer is: Only a channel that is available to all, has a high open rate and possesses a global reach.

MASS TEXTING via SMS – is the best answer here.

WHY MASS TEXT MESSAGING?

The name itself suggests that mass text messaging is meant for the masses. And nothing can uplift your brand presence more than the channel of mass texting. The battle between various marketing channels is nothing new for the potential marketers. All businesses are aware of the fact that Bulk SMS for businesses not only provides them with cheaper rates, but they also know that no other channel can ever come closer to bulk texting.

BRAND AWARENESS – But WHY?

A brand really turns into a brand when it has all the sufficient ingredients to speak the company’s values.

Brands who do not implement the strategy of Bulk texting tend to get isolated. They cannot compete with their existing market rivals. That means leaving Bulk texting can seriously be a grave mistake for all brands.

IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE?

Despite all current statistics and recent studies, people often ask about better alternatives.

But in reality, there is no alternative of something that is in itself the ‘best’.

Here, we are talking about “Mass Texting”. A brand can opt for a number of SMS gateway providers, but bulk SMS service remains the same across the board.

MASS TEXT – What’s Required?

Remember that since your brand needs to connect with a large number of customers or users, then it is important to note down that long codes are of no use for you. Mass texting can messaging only be done through using short codes.

Short code text messaging is basically an another term for text messaging. While using a short code, firstly you need to set up a keyword to your campaign. Give your campaign a ‘keyword’ and then move forward to setting up your campaign to send bulk text messages.

Sending text messaging via short codes is an automated process. Once you are done with the keyword and campaign formation, you are ready to employ mass text messaging for brand awareness.

THINGS TO AVOID DURING MASS TEXTING MESSAGING

During mass text messaging, brands should be very careful because spamming is strictly prohibited. Also, there are global regulators that require compliance to their set of rules. Any violation or misuse can result against your will. Always make sure to practice sure communication no matter which channel you are using.

After throwing light on the basic concept of mass texting messaging, it’s time for some handy tips you need to know:

8 TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR BRAND AWARENESS

Say more in less:

In the current fast forward world, no one really cares how long you write or speak. People don’t have time to listen or read lengthy piece. Just remain concise and short with your words.

Be genuine:

Drifting away from what you really are can be a negative thing. Make sure to hold firm grounds to your brand’s identity. Always be genuine as a company.

There is no shortcut to success:

We all dream of quick success. However, effective results need time to show up. Patience is the key for all brands to increase their brand presence. Make people aware of your vision – even if takes time.

All customers are equal:

Never treat anyone of your customer as a non-potential customer. You never know if a customer who is not an attraction today might be your biggest buyer later on.

SMS is the winning mantra:

Speaking of SMS, we mean mass text messaging. If your brand is seeking to outplay all competitors, so only mass texting is the all-in-one solution.

Integration with an SMS API:

Brands who have their own CRM can get the real time benefit of integrating their CRM modules or systems with an SMS API. Integration will enable you to expand your reach and increase your brand reputation.

Automation is the future:

The future lies in the technology of automation. Most of the brands have already abandoned using manual strategies. Your brand needs to move accordingly and embrace automated marketing practices such as bulk SMS or mass text messaging.

Start rolling now

Much has been said already: it’s time to step up and start employing mass text messaging for brand awareness.

Without further ado, integrate your system or go to an SMS gateway provider and help your brand to increase its presence and spread awareness within the customers.

Source by John Edword