Patent ID: 8515469

Claim:
In a messaging intermediary, a server-based method for providing message-based interactive services, the server-based method comprising: receiving through a messaging construct a service request from a wireless device of a mobile subscriber relating to a service desired by the mobile subscriber from an interactive service device, the service request comprising, in a single message, (a) a destination address and (b) a unique identifier of the interactive service device that is displayed on or near the interactive service device; processing the service request, including at least initiating a billing transaction, such that in due course the interactive service device is caused to operate to effect the service desired by the mobile subscriber; and responsive to an impending conclusion of operation of the interactive service device, dispatching a service expiration message to the wireless device of the mobile subscriber, wherein the interactive service device (a) resides on a network and is assigned an address on same and (b) does not communicate via the messaging construct for purposes of being caused to operate to effect the service desired by the mobile subscriber.