INTERACTIVE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION INTERFACE

Disclosed are electronic systems and techniques for implementing an interactive financial interface that uses messages sent to and from financial institutions to view account information and interact with accounts at disparate financial institutions. The interactive financial interface can display balances of the accounts at the financial institutions, combined or individually, the interface can also show spending history, income history, and trend information which can be used to facilitate making financial decisions. Charts and graphs showing spending history and trends can also be sorted and filtered based on a number of criteria to better show relationships and patterns in the transaction history. Based on the trends and patterns, the interface can also provide recommendations to accomplish financial goals. The interface can also facilitate two-way communications with the financial institutions and instructions and commands can be sent to the financial institutions via the interface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various non-limiting embodiments, an interactive financial interface system is provided that facilitates a single interface for viewing account information and interacting with accounts at disparate financial institutions. The interactive financial interface can display balances of the accounts at the financial institutions, combined or individually, the interface can also show spending history, income history, and trend information which can be used to facilitate making financial decisions. Charts and graphs showing spending history and trends can also be sorted and filtered based on a number of criteria to better show relationships and patterns in the transaction history. Based on the trends and patterns, the interface can also provide recommendations to accomplish financial goals. The interface can also facilitate two-way communications with the financial institutions and instructions and commands can be sent to the financial institutions via the interface.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the interactive financial interface can transmit and receive communications from the financial institutions via text messages. The text messages can be sent from the financial institutions to a mobile device with a phone number that has been selected for receiving notifications. The notifications can include header information identifying the account and/or financial institution, and can include information about account information or transaction information.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an interactive financial interface system100is shown. Generally, system100can include a memory that stores computer-executable instructions and a processor that executes the computer-executable instructions stored in memory, examples of which can be found with reference toFIG. 9. System100includes an interactive financial interface108that facilitates communications between financial institutions102,104, and106and mobile device110.

The interactive financial interface108can receive messages and/or notifications from any of financial institutions102,104, and/or106. The messages and/or notifications can be text messages in some embodiments, and emails or other electronic communications in other embodiments. The messages can contain information about accounts held at the financial institutions102,104, and106such as balances, transaction records and other types of information. The messages can also contain identifying information in the header (i.e., metadata) of the message that identifies which financial institution sent the message and the identity of the target recipient.

In some embodiments, financial institutions102,104, and106can send message updates at intervals, such as once per day, week, month, or other regularly defined period. In other embodiments, financial institutions102,104, and106can send message updates in response to certain triggers. For instance, messages can be sent in response to a transaction being made, or when the balance at the financial institution falls below a certain level.

In some embodiments, the messages can be sent to an email account specified by the customer at the financial institution. In other embodiments, text messages can be sent to a mobile number on record with the financial institution. The financial institution can determine whether to send an email or a text message based on preferences indicated in the customer's account at the financial institution.

Interactive financial interface108can extract data from the messages to provide contextual information about balances at financial institutions102,104, and106. The contextual information can include balance information for each of the financial institutions102,104, and106, as well as combined balance information, income, payments, transactions, and other relevant information that can be used to facilitate financial planning. The interactive financial interface108can compile the information and present the information in the form of graphs and charts on mobile device110. The graphs and charts can show balance over time, transactions, rates of funds being transferred in and out and other relationships, patterns, and diagrams that can be utilized for financial planning.

The charts and graphs displayed on mobile device110can be sorted and filtered and otherwise manipulated for different views, perspectives, and analysis. For instance, the graphs can be filtered or sorted by time and/or date, transaction type, amount, and etc. Selections to change the presentation of the charts and graphs can be received via the mobile device110.

In some embodiments, interactive financial interface108can also process and transmit requests, instructions, and/or commands from the mobile device110to one or more of financial institutions102,104, and106. These instructions can indicate whether the financial institution should initiate a transaction, transfer funds, change account settings, and/or undertake other actions. The instructions can be sent in a similar manner as the message are received from the financial institution. For example, if messages are sent from financial institutions102and106as emails, and from financial institution104as a text message, interactive financial interface108can send instructions to financial institutions102and106as emails and to financial institution104as a text message.

In some embodiments, when sending messages as text messages, interactive financial interface108can spoof the messages such that it appears they are being sent by mobile device110. Interactive financial interface108can include metadata in the text messages such that it appears they have been sent from a phone number or Mobile Subscriber Integrated Services Digital Network-Number (“MSISDN”) associated with mobile device110. In other embodiments, when the messages are sent as emails, the messages can appear to be sent from an email address that is associated with an account at the financial institution. The effect of this is that financial institutions102,104, and106can send and receive communications to and from interactive financial interface108, but to financial institutions102,104, and106, it appears as if the messages are being sent to and from mobile device110, with no interactive financial interface108in the middle intercepting and sending the messages.

It should be appreciated that the interactive financial interface108can display the information collected from financial institutions102,104, and106on electronic devices other than mobile device110in other embodiments. For instance, interactive financial interface108can display the information on any device which can access the internet. It should also be appreciated that in other embodiments, interactive financial interface108can receive messages from any number of financial institutions. The interactive financial interface108can receive messages from any accounts at financial institutions that are configured to send messages regarding account information to target recipients specified in the account settings.

InFIG. 1the interactive financial interface108is not part of, or an application running on mobile device110(or any other electronic device belonging to the customer). In other embodiments, the interactive financial interface108can run from a mobile device or other electronic device (see e.g.,FIG. 2). The interactive financial interface108can be a Software as a Service (“SaaS”) that operates in the cloud. In other embodiments, interactive financial interface108can be an application, process, and/or service running on a mobile network (see e.g.,FIG. 11).

Turning now toFIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an interactive financial interface system200in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. Generally, system200can include a memory that stores computer-executable instructions and a processor that executes the computer-executable instructions stored in memory, examples of which can be found with reference toFIG. 9. System200includes an interactive financial interface210that operates on mobile device208to facilitates communications between financial institutions202,204, and206and mobile device208.

Interactive financial interface210can run as an application or service on mobile device208. Text messages sent by financial institutions202,204, and206to mobile device208can include information about accounts held at the financial institutions202,204, and206such as balances, transaction records and other types of information. The messages can also contain identifying information in the header (i.e. metadata) of the message that identifies which financial institution sent the message and the identity of the target recipient.

Interactive financial interface210can extract the financial account related data from text messages received by mobile device208. Once analyzed by the interface, the data can be displayed on mobile device208in the form of charts and graphs that can facilitate financial decisions made by the user of mobile device208.

The system200shown inFIG. 2is similar to system100shown inFIG. 1except that in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, interactive financial interface210runs on the mobile device208instead of in the cloud or mobile network as shown inFIG. 1. Otherwise, the functionality remains similar.

Turning now toFIG. 3, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an interactive financial interface system300in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. System300includes an interactive financial interface304that facilitates communications between financial institution302and mobile device312(or other electronic device). Interactive financial interface304includes a messaging component306, an analysis component308, and a presentation component310. It is to be appreciated that the description of the interactive financial interface304and the underlying components can apply to both embodiments shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. It is also to be appreciated, that for the sake of simplicity, the embodiment shown inFIG. 3includes only one financial institution, financial institution302. In other embodiments, interactive financial interface304can interact and receive messages from more than one financial institution.

The messaging component306can receive a text message from a financial institution302, wherein the text message comprises transaction information about a transaction that is associated with the financial institution. The text message can contain information about one or more accounts held at financial institution302. The text message can also contain identifying information in the header (i.e., metadata) that identifies financial institution302and the identity of the target recipient.

In some embodiments, messaging component306can intercept text messages sent to mobile device312, and in other embodiments, it can extract the data from the text messages after they have been received by mobile device312. Messaging component306can passively receive and/or monitor text messages from financial institution302in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, messaging component306can send queries to financial institution302for information, and financial institution302can respond by sending a text message with data about the accounts held there.

Once the data about transaction and account information is extracted from the text messages, analysis component308can generate summary data based on an analysis of the transaction information and financial information that is determined prior to receiving the text message, wherein a type of summary data generated is based on a predetermined criterion. The financial information can include general contextual information such as income levels, credit rating and/or score, liabilities, assets, and etc. The financial information can be determined based on previous text messages, open source information, and/or information retrieved from financial institution302or a user of the mobile device312. The summary data can include analysis about income and spending habits, cash flow analysis, trends, and etc.

The analysis component308can prepare different types of summary date based on predetermined criterion such as selections in the account settings of the interactive financial interface304, financial institution302or mobile device312. For instance, if a user desires to keep track of spending, the summary data can include analysis about spending habits or trends. If the selection is to facilitate financial planning, the summary data prepared by analysis component308can include analysis about liabilities, income and other relevant information. The types of summary data prepared can change in response to selections made by the user. For instance, once the summary data is displayed on mobile device312, the user can select a different type of summary data, and analysis component308can run analyses on the transaction information and the financial information to generate the new summary data.

The presentation component310can be configured to display the transaction information, the financial information and the summary data on the mobile device312. The information can be presented using charts, graphs, tables and other visual mechanisms. The graphs and charts can show balance over time, transactions, rates of funds being transferred in and out and other relationships, patterns, and diagrams that can be utilized for financial planning. The charts and graphs displayed on mobile device312can be sorted and filtered and otherwise manipulated for different views, perspectives, and analysis. For instance, the graphs can be filtered or sorted by time and/or date, transaction type, amount, and etc. Selections to change the presentation of the charts and graphs can be received via the mobile device312.

As messaging component306receives additional messages from financial institution302or other financial institutions, messaging component306can extract the data from the additional messages and add it to the data received earlier. Analysis component308can use the new data to generate summary data to replace the previously determined summary data. The updated summary data can be dynamically displayed by the presentation component310to show real time, or near real time financial changes.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an interactive financial interface system400that makes financial recommendations in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. System400includes interactive financial interface404that facilitates communications between financial institution402and mobile device410. Interactive financial interface404includes analysis component406and planning component408.

Analysis component406can prepare summary data based on the transaction information and financial information received from financial institution402. Based on the summary data, the planning component408can create a financial plan based on the summary data to achieve a financial goal. Financial goals can include money saving goals, investment goals, loan payment goals, and goals to purchase or rent goods, property and/or services. Planning component408can use the summary data and other contextual data, such as banking information, social network activity, past activity, preferences, etc., to shape the financial plan to make it more effective and efficient. Banking accounts, social network accounts, loyalty program accounts, and others can be linked to the financial planning system to enable the financial planning system in gathering contextual background information.

In some embodiments, planning component408can dynamically update or suggest changes to the financial plan based on changes and/or additions to the summary data. These changes can include new or updated summary data, trend information about spending history, income level, and etc. In an embodiment, the planning component408can determine the best financial plan based on information related to the financial status of the user The planning component408can also infer the preferred plan based on past usage and/or other information about the user.

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of an interactive financial interface system500that sends instructions to the financial institutions in accordance with various aspects described herein. Interactive financial interface system500includes interactive financial interface504that can receive and send messages between financial institution502and mobile device510. Interactive financial interface504can include a message component506that receives the messages and an instruction component508that is configured to send messages to the financial institution502.

In some embodiments, interactive financial interface504can be used to send requests, instructions, and/or commands to financial institution502. The instructions can indicate whether the financial institution502should initiate a transaction, transfer funds, change account settings, and/or undertake other actions. The instructions can be sent in a similar manner as the messages are received from the financial institution. For example, if messages are sent from financial institution502as a text message, instruction component508can send instructions to financial institution502as a text message in response.

In an embodiment, when the interactive financial interface504is not located on mobile device510, instruction component508can prepare a message that includes metadata that identifies the message as if it were sent from mobile device510associated with a bank account at a financial institution. In this way, financial institution502receives no indication that the message originated from interactive financial interface504and not mobile device510.

Turning now toFIG. 6, a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of an interactive financial interface system600that can be organized and rearranged in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. Interactive financial interface system600includes an interactive financial interface602that analyzes financial and transaction information, and displays a summary of the analysis on a mobile device610.

An analysis component604can analyze the financial and transaction information, a presentation component606can display the information on the mobile device610, and a feedback component608can receive feedback from the mobile device610in order to manipulate the presentation of data to gain different views or understandings of the information. Feedback component608can receive feedback from the mobile device610and rearrange the presentation of the transaction information based on at least one of a date of the transaction, an amount of the transaction, and a party associated with the transaction.

In view of the example systems100-600described above, methods that may be implemented in accordance with the described subject matter may be better appreciated with reference to the flow charts ofFIGS. 7 and 8. While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods described hereinafter.

Referring toFIG. 7, illustrated is an example methodology700for financial planning in accordance with aspects described herein. Methodology700can begin at block702, wherein a text message that comprises information about one or more transactions that are associated with an account at a first financial institution is received (e.g., by messaging component306). The text message can also contain identifying information in the header (i.e., metadata) that identifies the financial institution and the identity of the target recipient.

At704, the information about the one or more transaction us analyzed, and a financial summary based on the information about the one or more transactions is generated (e.g., by analysis component308). The summary information can be based on financial information about the user as well, where the financial information can include general contextual information such as income levels, credit rating and/or score, liabilities, assets, and etc. The financial information can be determined based on previous text messages, open source information, and/or information retrieved from the financial institution or the customer. The summary data can include analysis about income and spending habits, cash flow analysis, trends, and etc.

At706, an interactive presentation showing the financial summary and financial information associated with the account at the first financial institution is displayed (e.g., by presentation component310). The interactive presentation can be displayed on a mobile device in some embodiments, and in other embodiments it can be displayed on other types of electronic devices.

The information can be presented using charts, graphs, tables and other visual mechanisms. The graphs and charts can show balance over time, transactions, rates of funds being transferred in and out and other relationships, patterns, and diagrams that can be utilized for financial planning. The charts and graphs displayed on the mobile device and/or electronic device can be sorted and filtered and otherwise manipulated for different views, perspectives, and analysis. For instance, the graphs can be filtered or sorted by time and/or date, transaction type, amount, and etc. Selections to change the presentation of the charts and graphs can be received via the mobile device and/or electronic device.

Turning now toFIG. 8, illustrated is an example methodology800for employing an interactive financial interface as described herein. Methodology800can begin at block802, where a second text message that comprises information about one or more transactions at a second financial institution is received. An text message received earlier can have contained information about a transaction related to a first financial institution. Based on that first message, a financial summary can be generated to provide contextual information or a summary to assist in financial planning to achieve a financial goal. At804, the financial summary based on the information from the second financial institution is updated. At806, a financial plan is updated based on the financial summary.

Example Computing Environment

As mentioned, advantageously, the techniques described herein can be applied to any device where it is desirable to facilitate shared shopping. It is to be understood, therefore, that handheld, portable and other computing devices and computing objects of all kinds are contemplated for use in connection with the various non-limiting embodiments, i.e., anywhere that a device may wish to engage in a shopping experience on behalf of a user or set of users. Accordingly, the below general purpose remote computer described below inFIG. 9is but one example, and the disclosed subject matter can be implemented with any client having network/bus interoperability and interaction. Thus, the disclosed subject matter can be implemented in an environment of networked hosted services in which very little or minimal client resources are implicated, e.g., a networked environment in which the client device serves merely as an interface to the network/bus, such as an object placed in an appliance.

Although not required, some aspects of the disclosed subject matter can partly be implemented via an operating system, for use by a developer of services for a device or object, and/or included within application software that operates in connection with the component(s) of the disclosed subject matter. Software may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions, such as program modules or components, being executed by one or more computer(s), such as projection display devices, viewing devices, or other devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced with other computer system configurations and protocols.

FIG. 9thus illustrates an example of a suitable computing system environment900in which some aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented, although as made clear above, the computing system environment900is only one example of a suitable computing environment for a device and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the disclosed subject matter. Neither should the computing environment900be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment900.

With reference toFIG. 9, an exemplary device for implementing the disclosed subject matter includes a general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer910. Components of computer910may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit920, a system memory930, and a system bus921that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit920. The system bus921may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

The system memory930may include computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM). A basic input/output system (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer910, such as during start-up, may be stored in memory930. Memory930typically also contains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently being operated on by processing unit920. By way of example, and not limitation, memory930may also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data.

The computer910may also include other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. For example, computer910could include a hard disk drive that reads from or writes to non-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk, and/or an optical disk drive that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM or other optical media. Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. A hard disk drive is typically connected to the system bus921through a non-removable memory interface such as an interface, and a magnetic disk drive or optical disk drive is typically connected to the system bus921by a removable memory interface, such as an interface.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer910through input devices such as a keyboard and pointing device, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball, or touch pad. Other input devices can include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, wireless device keypad, voice commands, or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit920through user input940and associated interface(s) that are coupled to the system bus921, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serial bus (USB). A graphics subsystem can also be connected to the system bus921. A projection unit in a projection display device, or a HUD in a viewing device or other type of display device can also be connected to the system bus921via an interface, such as output interface950, which may in turn communicate with video memory. In addition to a monitor, computers can also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers which can be connected through output interface950.

The computer910can operate in a networked or distributed environment using logical connections to one or more other remote computer(s), such as remote computer970, which can in turn have media capabilities different from device910. The remote computer970can be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device, personal digital assistant (PDA), cell phone, handheld computing device, a projection display device, a viewing device, or other common network node, or any other remote media consumption or transmission device, and may include any or all of the elements described above relative to the computer910. The logical connections depicted inFIG. 9include a network971, such local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but can also include other networks/buses, either wired or wireless. Such networking environments are commonplace in homes, offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer910can be connected to the LAN971through a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer910can typically include a communications component, such as a modem, or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as the Internet. A communications component, such as wireless communications component, a modem and so on, which can be internal or external, can be connected to the system bus921via the user input interface of input940, or other appropriate mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer910, or portions thereof, can be stored in a remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown and described are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers can be used.

Example Networking Environment

FIG. 10provides a schematic diagram of an exemplary networked or distributed computing environment. The distributed computing environment comprises computing objects1010,1012, etc. and computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc., which may include programs, methods, data stores, programmable logic, etc., as represented by applications1030,1032,1034,1036,1038and data store(s)1040. It can be appreciated that computing objects1010,1012, etc. and computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc. may comprise different devices, including multimedia display device100or similar devices depicted within the illustrations, or other devices such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), audio/video device, MP3 players, personal computer, laptop, etc. It should be further appreciated that data store(s)1040can include data store108, or other similar data stores disclosed herein.

Each computing object1010,1012, etc. and computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc. can communicate with one or more other computing objects1010,1012, etc. and computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc. by way of the communications network1042, either directly or indirectly. Even though illustrated as a single element inFIG. 10, communications network1042may comprise other computing objects and computing devices that provide services to the system ofFIG. 10, and/or may represent multiple interconnected networks, which are not shown. Each computing object1010,1012, etc. or computing object or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc. can also contain an application, such as applications1030,1032,1034,1036,1038, that might make use of an API, or other object, software, firmware and/or hardware, suitable for communication with or implementation of the techniques and disclosure described herein.

There are a variety of systems, components, and network configurations that support distributed computing environments. For example, computing systems can be connected together by wired or wireless systems, by local networks or widely distributed networks. Currently, many networks are coupled to the Internet, which provides an infrastructure for widely distributed computing and encompasses many different networks, though any network infrastructure can be used for exemplary communications made incident to the systems automatic diagnostic data collection as described in various embodiments herein.

Thus, a host of network topologies and network infrastructures, such as client/server, peer-to-peer, or hybrid architectures, can be utilized. The “client” is a member of a class or group that uses the services of another class or group to which it is not related. A client can be a process, i.e., roughly a set of instructions or tasks, that requests a service provided by another program or process. The client process utilizes the requested service, in some cases without having to “know” any working details about the other program or the service itself.

In a client/server architecture, particularly a networked system, a client is usually a computer that accesses shared network resources provided by another computer, e.g., a server. In the illustration ofFIG. 10, as a non-limiting example, computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc. can be thought of as clients and computing objects1010,1012, etc. can be thought of as servers where computing objects1010,1012, etc., acting as servers provide data services, such as receiving data from client computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc., storing of data, processing of data, transmitting data to client computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc., although any computer can be considered a client, a server, or both, depending on the circumstances.

In a network environment in which the communications network1042or bus is the Internet, for example, the computing objects1010,1012, etc. can be Web servers with which other computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc. communicate via any of a number of known protocols, such as the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). Computing objects1010,1012, etc. acting as servers may also serve as clients, e.g., computing objects or devices1020,1022,1024,1026,1028, etc., as may be characteristic of a distributed computing environment.

Example Mobile Network Platform

FIG. 11presents an example embodiment1100of a mobile network platform1110that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosed subject matter described herein. Generally, wireless network platform1110can include components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, wireless network platform1110can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform1110includes CS gateway node(s)1112which can interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony network(s)1140(e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network1170. Circuit switched gateway node(s)1112can authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s)1112can access mobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network1170; for instance, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR), which can reside in memory1130. Moreover, CS gateway node(s)1112interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s)1118. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s)1112can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s)1112, PS gateway node(s)1118, and serving node(s)1116, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform1110for telecommunication.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic and signaling, PS gateway node(s)1118can authorize and authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions can include traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to the wireless network platform1110, like wide area network(s) (WANs)1150, enterprise network(s)1170, and service network(s)1180, which can be embodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network platform1110through PS gateway node(s)1118. It is to be noted that WANs1150and enterprise network(s)1160can embody, at least in part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s)1117, packet-switched gateway node(s)1118can generate packet data protocol contexts when a data session is established; other data structures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can be generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s)1118can include a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetized communication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Fi networks.

In embodiment1100, wireless network platform1110also includes serving node(s)1116that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) within technology resource(s)1117, convey the various packetized flows of data streams received through PS gateway node(s)1118. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s)1117that rely primarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gateway node(s)1118; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s)1116can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)1114in wireless network platform1110can execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can include add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided by wireless network platform1110. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)1118for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data session, and to serving node(s)1116for communication thereafter. In addition to application server, server(s)1114can include utility server(s), a utility server can include a provisioning server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through wireless network platform1110to ensure network's operation and data integrity in addition to authorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s)1112and PS gateway node(s)1118can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN1050or Global Positioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can also provision coverage through networks associated to wireless network platform1110(e.g., deployed and operated by the same service provider), such as femto-cell network(s) (not shown) that enhance wireless service coverage within indoor confined spaces and offload RAN resources in order to enhance subscriber service experience within a home or business environment by way of UE1175.

It is to be noted that server(s)1114can include one or more processors configured to confer at least in part the functionality of macro network platform1110. To that end, the one or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory1130, for example. It is should be appreciated that server(s)1114can include a content manager1115, which operates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment1100, memory1130can store information related to operation of wireless network platform1110. Other operational information can include provisioning information of mobile devices served through wireless platform network1110, subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory1130can also store information from at least one of telephony network(s)1140, WAN1150, enterprise network(s)1160, or SS7 network1170. In an aspect, memory1130can be, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a remotely connected memory store.

As used herein, the term “text message” is used to mean a brief electronic message that is sent to or from a mobile device over a mobile network. SMS messages are one form of text message using a standardized protocol. Other communication protocols sending electronic messages over mobile networks are also covered by this disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a disclosed aspect,” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in one aspect,” or “in an embodiment,” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in various disclosed embodiments.

As utilized herein, terms “component,” “system,” “module”, “interface,” “user interface”, and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor, a process running on a processor, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Further, these components can execute from various non-transitory computer-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. In this regard, the terms “non-transitory” and “tangible” herein as applied to storage, memory or computer-readable media, is to be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se as a modifier and does not relinquish all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory signals per se.

The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network, e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, etc. with other systems via the signal).

The subject matter described herein can be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, computer-readable carrier, or computer-readable media. For example, computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, a magnetic storage device, e.g., hard disk; floppy disk; magnetic strip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); a smart card; a flash memory device (e.g., card, stick, key drive); and/or a virtual device that emulates a storage device and/or any of the above computer-readable media.

The word “exemplary” where used herein means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary,” “demonstrative,” or the like, is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the appended claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive—in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word—without precluding any additional or other elements. Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.