Shared Library
The fMML has been designed as a shared library. This has the
following advantages:
- Multiple application programs can access library functions.
- Less memory capacity is required on the Palm.
- The user only needs to enter his configuration details once for
all applications in a central dialog window (country, network
provider and mobile phone model).
- Every application program benefits from the full scope of
expanded library features/ corrections when service releases are
issued.
Features
The fMML offers a wide range of features:
- Interlinking with mobile phones via the IrDA interface or
using a serial cable.
- An API (Application Programming Interface) for providing
existing applications with SMS support.
- A central parameter dialogue for all applications which is
integrated as a panel in the Preferences Palm application.
- Multi-part messages with more than 160 characters.
- Preset configurations for more than 150 global network
providers.
- Optional message encryption using RSA/RC4 (for communicating
with an additional server application).
- Usage of vanity numbers.
- Automatic dialling of telephone numbers.
- The Palm time and date are aligned with the Service Center.
Comprehensive Test Phase
Supported mobile phones are only added to the fMML following a
comprehensive test phase in order to ensure 100% compatibility between
the Palm™ Organizer and the mobile phone. The fMML also incorporates a
multitude of global service centre addresses for GSM networks which are
required to send SMS messages.
Integration
The fMML can be used with applications created using the Metrowerks
CodeWarrior Compiler via a C++ wrapper. The appropriate extension is
available for development with Satellite Forms from PumaTech.
Configuration
The fMML has been preconfigured for most GSM networks used
world-wide and a large number of mobile phones.
The fMML is integrated as a panel in the Palm OS. Start the "Preferences"
application to configure the fMML.
Select the panel "fMML" in the option list in the top right corner.
The current settings are displayed when the panel is started.
Communication between the mobile telephone and the SMS Service Center
can be tested by pressing the "Test" button.
To configure fMML, first select your country. Over 150 countries
with GSM networks have already been preconfigured in the fMML. From
this menu you can also call up countries without preconfigured GSM
networks. The country set in the Palm OS "Formats" panel is used as
the default setting.
Now select your network operator. Over 210 operators have already
been preconfigured with the name and number of the SMS Service Center.
With some telephones, the Service Center can be read out using the
"Test" function.
Then select the manufacturer of your mobile telephone.
The last step is to select the model. If you cannot find your
mobile telephone in the list, select a similar device and run a
test. Please note that some manufacturers give their models varying
names for different countries.
If you have not found a suitable model, additional entries can be
created for other networks and mobile telephones from the menu.
You need to know the Short Message Service Center (SMSC) when you
create a new network. Then give the new entry a name.
When you create a new entry for a mobile phone, you can begin by
selecting a manufacturer. The fMML chooses a suitable communication
protocol depending on the manufacturer, e.g. the text or PDU mode, and
circumvents known problems or errors in the implementation of the
manufacturer's SMS protocol. Select the connection type Infrared,
Serial or Bluetooth. Bluetooth is only available if the appropriate
drivers have been installed. The fMML can call up messages either
singly or as an entire batch. Not every mobile telephone offers both
functions or runs stabily with both types of communication. If you
want to use serial communication, you also need to set the speed.
Licensing
If you like to use the fMML in your own application, you need a
funSMS or a funSMS/funBOOK bundle licence for every user. The licence
number has to be entered in the fMML's registration form. If you are
interested in volume licensing the fMML for integration in your Palm
OS application, please send an eMail to
Klaus Nahr, klaus.nahr@fun.de.
Evaluation
Demo applications including the sourcecode for Metrowerks
CodeWarrior and Pumatech Satellite Forms are available for download
here.
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