Presenting... "Presence"

Nokia calls it "Presence". Sony Ericsson calls it "My Friends". The official name is IMPS. So what is it really?

What is IMPS?
IMPS stands for "Instant Messaging Presence Services". Building on the popularity of SMS, this nascent technology introduces one exciting new component to messaging: Presence.

A presence user will be able to update his current status on his cell phone, and by doing so, allow his authorized friends to check whether he's available, busy, or free for a chat.

Users familiar with ICQ and other PC-based instant messenger clients should instantly grasp this idea.

How did it come about?
IMPS is the result of a two-year effort by the Wireless Village initiative, a body founded by Ericsson, Motorola and Nokia. The aim was to create an open presence standard that would be easily adopted in mobile gadgets and other network-connected devices.

Why will I want it?
Arguably, presence-related services aren't as critical in cell phones as they are on PCs.

On ICQ, you set your status as "Busy" if you don't want to be disturbed. On your mobile, on the other hand, you simply put your phone to silent mode. During meetings, you can still receive text messages--just read them later.

However, IMPS may work by encouraging greater exchanges of messages. For example, if you're feeling bored, you can text a friend who's listed as "Free for chat" to start a conversation. You may even arrange to meet up for some Java.

IMPS is thus likely to be pitched as a social tool. It may appeal most to teenagers who are already sold on the merits of instant messaging.

Nokia 6820

As IMPS makes use of data packets to share information, a GPRS connection will be required. Consumers will also require operator support.

How much is it?
Currently, the Singapore operators are still checking out the service, and are not committing to any launch or pricing details. However, if they do unveil it, it could become a lucrative source of revenue.

For example, say you're on the contact list of 10 friends. Each time you change your status, the updated information gets sent to them over the network. This means that all 11 of you will be using GPRS traffic. If the service operators make use of GPRS per-kilobyte rates, there could be some shocked faces come end of the month.

The pricing strategy will thus need to be worked out carefully to prevent putting off the users.