WO2010132752A1 - Message service access to content - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the current invention use SMS, MMS or other messaging services with mobile web technology and apply it to various fields including business and interpersonal communication to enable instant, dynamic information delivery and exchange in commerce and in personal interaction. Combinations of messaging service (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.) and mobile web technology can be utilized as a gateway to, and aggregation of, critical and timely information about a person, business, product or service that would benefit from immediate, dynamic information delivery and exchange.

Description

MESSAGE SERVICE ACCESS TO CONTENT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/178,686, filed May 15, 2009, which is fully incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate, generally, to systems and software for providing content to contacts and, in particular, to providing a content gateway which provides access to subscriber-chosen content through a selectable keyword and a short code using short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), or other message service protocols.

BACKGROUND

[0003] SMS, MMS and forms of web-enabled social networking (e.g., Facebook™,

Linkedln™, etc.) allow a subscriber to publish information to the Web in predefined formats for access by approved contacts. However, systems and methods are desired that enable a subscriber to provide information, audio, visual or other rich content, or hyperlinks to other web pages of the subscriber or to third-party web pages or websites (collectively, "information") that can be retrieved by a contact, or can be delivered by a subscriber to a contact, and made available to that contact via the Web and/or a mobile device, which information is subscriber formatted, driven and dynamic, and can be created and modified by the subscriber, quickly and efficiently.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the current invention use SMS, MMS or other messaging services with mobile web technology and apply it to various fields including business and interpersonal communication, to enable instant, dynamic information exchange in commerce and in personal interaction. Combinations of messaging service (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.) and mobile web technology can be utilized as a gateway to, and an aggregation point for, critical and timely information about a person, business, product or service that would benefit from immediate, dynamic information delivery and/or exchange.

[0005] When a subscriber's vanity keyword (described below) is paired to a code associated with a messaging service such as, for example, an SMS short code, and coupled with a hyperlink to a mobile web page (also referred to herein as a "TextSite^SM" or a "MobileZen TextSite^SM") identified by a URL containing the subscriber's vanity keyword, which mobile web page is created by the subscriber and draws its content from a database of information entered by the subscriber, and wherein the mobile web page contains content specific to that vanity keyword (collectively, the combination of all of the foregoing being referred to herein as a "MobileZen Card™") on a mobile device, the MobileZen Card™ can act as (a) a digital or electronic identity for the subscriber, and/or (b) an outward expression of the subscriber's persona or characteristics, and/or (c) a gateway and access point to enable the aggregation of certain information of, or content related to, the subscriber that the subscriber intends to communicate to/with, or exchange with, or make available to others in the public domain.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of providing user-specific content to a remote computing device is described. The remote computing device can be, for example, a wireless terminal, handheld device, mobile phone, smartphone, or computer, among others, as are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. A keyword is associated with a messaging service code, wherein the combination of the keyword and the messaging service code create a unique identifier. The messaging service code can be a code assigned by a text messaging service such as SMS or MMS, for example. The unique identifier can be associated with a website hosted on a server, wherein the website comprises user-specific content. As noted herein, the content can comprise text, audio, video, images, etc. A request to access the user-specific content is received by the server from a remote computing device, wherein the request comprises the keyword sent to the messaging service code. For example, the keyword IPlawyer can be sent as a text message to the SMS code, 99699. In response to the request, the server provides a hyperlink to the website to the remote computing device. The server also sends a notification indicating that the request has been received. The notification comprises information identifying the remote computing device (e.g. the telephone number of the device that sent the SMS message IPlawyer to the SMS code, 99699).

[0007] In one aspect, the server provides a hyperlink to the website to the remote computing device via a text message. The recipient can activate (e.g., click on) the hyperlink, thereby invoking a browser associated with the remote computing device, and be directed to the website comprising the user-defined content.

[0008] In one aspect, keywords are subject to business rules such as preventing assignment and use of profane or other restricted words as keywords.

[0009] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing one method of practicing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a sample of one embodiment of an automatically generated reply message;

FIG. 3A is an illustration of another embodiment of an automated text message reply containing subscriber generated content;

FIG. 3B is an embodiment of a TextSite^SM that can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink in the automated text message reply of FIG. 3 A;

FIG. 3C is a message service (e.g., SMS) notification to a subscriber when an automated text message reply such as the one shown in FIG. 3A has been requested by a recipient;

FIG. 4A is an illustration of another embodiment of an automated text message reply containing subscriber generated content;

FIG. 4B is an embodiment of a TextSite^SM that can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink in the automated text message reply of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a message service (e.g., SMS) notification to a subscriber when an automated text message reply such as the one shown in FIG. 4A has been requested by a recipient;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment for performing the disclosed methods; and

FIGS. 6A-6C are exemplary illustrations of web pages contained within a website viewable on a mobile device that a subscriber can access to establish, modify or delete content using a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, or to particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0012] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0013] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0014] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," means "including but not limited to," and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0015] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0016] The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0017] One method of practicing an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. At step 10, a subscriber selects an available keyword. In one aspect, the keyword may be selected by accessing a website and selecting a keyword available from a database (or conversely, selecting a keyword that is not found in a database). The website may be password protected or use other security means to identify and authenticate the subscriber. The keyword may be comprised of alphabetical and/or numeric characters and/or symbols. For example, the keyword selected by the subscriber may be the subscriber's name or portion thereof, or may reflect the subscriber's personality or some aspect of their character or, in the case of a product or service, mimic the product name, tagline or slogan, to reflect a marketing strategy, or to describe the product's characteristics (i.e., by way of the foregoing illustrations, a vanity keyword). By way of example, but not by limitation, a vanity keyword could be "bobjones," it could be "superlawyer," it could be "bmwx5," or it could be "harvard 1979," etc. Once a keyword is selected, at step 12 the keyword is associated with a messaging service code such as, for example, an SMS short code (a 5 or 6 digit number). One non-limiting example of an SMS short code is 99699.

[0018] At step 14, the subscriber accesses a website to establish, modify or delete content on one of the subscriber's automated text message replies. The subscriber can access the content at any time from the website using a login and password to create, change or update the content instantly from any web-enabled mobile device or Internet device. An illustration of an exemplary website that a subscriber can access to establish, modify or delete content is shown in FIG. 6, as described below. Each automated text message reply is associated with one of the unique keywords selected by the subscriber, is generated from the website and sent to a recipient when the select vanity keyword is texted to the messaging service code. For example, a recipient could text "superlawyer" to "23456" and receive the automated text message reply created by the subscriber and associated with the keyword, "superlawyer". Alternatively, the automated text message reply also can be sent or forwarded to the recipient by the subscriber (or can be saved for later use), or another recipient of the automated text message reply, by sending an SMS text message to the recipient's mobile device including the content of the automated text message reply. The subscriber can selectively choose content to be provided in the automated text message reply, including for example a hyperlink to a mobile web page established by the subscriber or any other web page(s) or URLs identified in the subscriber's TextSite^SM content (described in more detail herein). Hyperlinks can be displayed in their normal context, e.g., http://mobilezen.com/superlawyer, or they can be embedded into a word (e.g., superlawyer), symbol, or other content that comprises the automated text message reply, as is known in the art. The subscriber can create the automated text message reply by accessing a website. In one aspect, the website is the same website as was used to establish the keyword in step 10.

[0019] At step 16, the subscriber, by accessing the website, can select to receive notifications by electronic mail, and/or text message (e.g. SMS) to the subscriber, informing the subscriber that a text message has been sent by a recipient to one of the subscriber's vanity keywords. The notification may include the telephone number of the recipient's mobile device, enabling the subscriber to contact that recipient instantly by telephone call or text message (e.g. SMS) to the telephone number displayed on the notification. Exemplary subscriber notifications are shown in FIGS. 3C and 4C, as described below. By accessing the website, the subscriber is able to view data containing the number of times that a text message has been sent to a vanity keyword and corresponding text messaging service code, the number of recipients, the telephone number corresponding to each recipient, and the date and time of each text message submitted to that keyword by a recipient.

[0020] At step 18, the subscriber establishes content on a mobile web page or TextSite^SM that comports with the wireless access protocol (WAP), or similar protocols that allow web-based content to be viewed and/or accessed on a remote device such as a wireless terminal, handheld device, mobile phone, smartphone, or computer, among others, as are known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The subscriber is provided access to the personalized web page through a website. In one aspect, the website for access to the web page can be the same website as was accessed to establish the keyword in step 10. The subscriber's mobile web page is identified by a unique URL containing the vanity keyword of the subscriber. The path for the URL can contain pre-determined characters, including the subscriber's vanity keyword (e.g. http://mobilezen.com/bobjones, where "bobjones" is the unique keyword selected by the subscriber). Content created on the web page by the subscriber is unique to that keyword only. Therefore, a subscriber can have one or multiple web pages each correlated to one of a number of unique keywords identified to that subscriber. In one aspect, the URL for the web page is automatically generated when the subscriber selects a keyword through the website.

[0021] The subscriber accesses a website to establish, modify or delete content on one of the subscriber's mobile web pages. Each mobile web page is associated with one of the unique keywords identified to the subscriber. In one aspect, the content entered by the subscriber into a database associated with the website can include data, files, documents, multimedia presentations (such as images, videos, and slide presentations), hyperlinks to websites and/or other mobile web pages created by the subscriber and associated with other unique keywords of the subscriber. In one aspect, the content can be entered by the subscriber into pre-established formats or templates and provided within the website. Once entered, the subscriber can input their own content and pair it with a template, which template is available in pre-existing format on the website, or has been created by the subscriber by modifying any one of many templates provided on the website, enabling the subscriber to create their own unique mobile web page without any graphic or web-design experience, web or technology background or additional hardware or software. The subscriber can access the content at any time from the website using a login and password to create, change or update the content instantly from any web- enabled mobile device or Internet device.

[0022] At step 20, once the content of a web page that is associated with the unique keyword is established, the subscriber can provide access to the mobile web page to one or more recipients. In one aspect, using a mobile or Internet device, a hyperlink to the mobile web page can be sent or forwarded via text message and/or electronic mail, can be saved or bookmarked for later use and can be reloaded and refreshed, and the mobile web page can be can be sent or forwarded via electronic mail, can be saved or bookmarked for later use and can be reloaded and refreshed.

[0023] In another aspect, a person seeking to obtain the subscriber's information or content (the "Recipient") sends a messaging services message (e.g., SMS text) using a mobile or Internet device to the subscriber's vanity keyword and short code and, within seconds, receives, in response, an automated message service reply which contains information the subscriber elected to convey by text message for that keyword. As described above in relation to step 14, the information contained in the reply message can be selected by the subscriber, or it can be automatically generated using information entered in the website by the subscriber using pre-selected fields as described above. In one aspect, with respect to a person, business or product, the automatically generated reply message can be identified with words such as for example "MobileZen Card™," or similar identification, on the reply and contain some or all of the following information: the subscriber's individual name, the subscriber's company name, a hyperlink to a mobile web page which has content created by the subscriber and is associated with the keyword used by the recipient, the subscriber's telephone number and the subscriber's electronic mail address, for example. A sample of one embodiment of an automatically generated reply message is shown in FIG. 2. The reply message and the mobile web page can both contain information entered in the website database by the subscriber. The content may be selected by the subscriber or may be automatically generated and formatted from the website database using information entered by the subscriber into pre-selected fields.

[0024] The recipient can choose to act on the information received in the reply message.

For example, (a) by touching or accessing the phone number on the screen of their mobile or Internet device, the recipient is able to automatically dial the phone number, (b) by touching or accessing the electronic mail address appearing on the screen, is able to launch its electronic mail application on their mobile or Internet device, in order to contact the subscriber by electronic mail, and (c) by touching or accessing a hyperlink located within the reply message, is able to view the subscriber's web page associated with the unique keyword and optimized for viewing on a mobile device with Internet access. As described above, in some aspects the hyperlink is embedded into the content displayed within the reply message, or it can be displayed in normal URL format.

[0025] FIG. 3A is an illustration of another embodiment of an automated text message reply containing subscriber generated content. In this example, the reply message is for a business TextSite^SM (YoIo). Information shown on this reply message includes the subscriber's name, business name, telephone number, email address, and TextSite^SM URL.

[0026] FIG. 3B is an embodiment of a TextSite^SM that can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink in the automated text message reply of FIG. 3 A. The content of this TextSite^SM is established by the subscriber in the manner described above.

[0027] FIG. 3C is a message service (e.g., SMS) notification to a subscriber when an automated text message reply such as the one shown in FIG. 3A has been requested by a recipient.

[0028] FIG. 4A is an illustration of another embodiment of an automated text message reply containing subscriber generated content. FIG. 4B is an embodiment of a TextSite^SM that can be accessed by selecting the hyperlink in the automated text message reply of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a message service (e.g., SMS) notification to a subscriber when an automated text message reply such as the one shown in FIG. 4A has been requested by a recipient.

[0029] The system has been described above as comprised of components and units. One skilled in the art will appreciate that this is a functional description and that the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A component or unit can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The components or units can comprise the MobileZen Software 106 as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below. In one exemplary aspect, the components or units can comprise a computer 101 as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment for performing the disclosed methods. This exemplary operating environment is only an example of an operating environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operating environment architecture. Neither should the operating environment be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment.

[0031] FIGS. 6A-6C are exemplary illustrations of web pages contained within a website viewable on a mobile device having Internet access that a subscriber can access to easily establish content, quickly and efficiently using their mobile device. For example, the subscriber can log in from their mobile device and create content for the text message reply and their TextSite^SM.

[0032] The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

[0033] The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

[0034] Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented via a general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer 101. The components of the computer 101 can comprise, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 103, a system memory 112, and a system bus 113 that couples various system components including the processor 103 to the system memory 112. In the case of multiple processing units 103, the system can utilize parallel computing.

[0035] The system bus 113 represents one or more of several possible types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, such architectures can comprise an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Express bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 113, and all buses specified in this description can also be implemented over a wired or wireless network connection and each of the subsystems, including the processor 103, a mass storage device 104, an operating system 105, MobileZen software 106, subscriber data 107, a network adapter 108, system memory 112, an Input/Output Interface 110, a display adapter 109, a display device 111, and a human machine interface 102, can be contained within one or more remote computing devices 114a,b,c at physically separate locations, connected through buses of this form, in effect implementing a fully distributed system.

[0036] The computer 101 typically comprises a variety of computer readable media.

Exemplary readable media can be any available media that is accessible by the computer 101 and comprises, for example and not meant to be limiting, both volatile and non- volatile media, removable and non-removable media. The system memory 112 comprises computer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM). The system memory 112 typically contains data such as subscriber data 107 and/or program modules such as operating system 105 and MobileZen software 106 that are immediately accessible to and/or are presently operated on by the processing unit 103.

[0037] In another aspect, the computer 101 can also comprise other removable/nonremovable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example, FIG. 3 illustrates a mass storage device 104 which can provide non- volatile storage of computer code, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer 101. For example and not meant to be limiting, a mass storage device 104 can be a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

[0038] Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on the mass storage device 104, including by way of example, an operating system 105 and MobileZen software 106. Each of the operating system 105 and MobileZen software 106 (or some combination thereof) can comprise elements of the programming and the MobileZen software 106. Subscriber data 107 can also be stored on the mass storage device 104. Subscriber data 107 can be stored in any of one or more databases known in the art. Examples of such databases comprise, DB2®, Microsoft® Access, Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The databases can be centralized or distributed across multiple systems.

[0039] In another aspect, the subscriber can enter commands and information into the computer 101 via an input device (not shown). Examples of such input devices comprise, but are not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a "mouse"), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile input devices such as gloves, and other body coverings, and the like These and other input devices can be connected to the processing unit 103 via a human machine interface 102 that is coupled to the system bus 113, but can be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewire port), a serial port, or a universal serial bus (USB).

[0040] In yet another aspect, a display device 111 can also be connected to the system bus 113 via an interface, such as a display adapter 109. It is contemplated that the computer 101 can have more than one display adapter 109 and the computer 101 can have more than one display device 111. For example, a display device can be a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or a projector. In addition to the display device 111, other output peripheral devices can comprise components such as speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown) which can be connected to the computer 101 via Input/Output Interface 110. Any step and/or result of the methods can be output in any form to an output device. Such output can be any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like.

[0041] The computer 101 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices 114a,b,c. By way of example, a remote computing device can be a wireless terminal, handheld device, mobile phone, smartphone, personal computer, portable computer, a server, a router, a network computer, a peer device or other common network node, and so on. Logical connections between the computer 101 and a remote computing device 114a,b,c can be made via a local area network (LAN) and a general wide area network (WAN). Such network connections can be through a network adapter 108. A network adapter 108 can be implemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such networking environments are conventional and commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet 115.

[0042] For purposes of illustration, application programs and other executable program components such as the operating system 105 are illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized that such programs and components reside at various times in different storage components of the computing device 101, and are executed by the data processor(s) of the computer. An implementation of MobileZen software 106 can be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Any of the disclosed methods can be performed by computer readable instructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, computer readable media can comprise "computer storage media" and "communications media." "Computer storage media" comprise volatile and non-volatile, removable and nonremovable media implemented in any methods or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Exemplary computer storage media comprises, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.

[0043] The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence techniques such as machine learning and iterative learning. Examples of such techniques include, but are not limited to, expert systems, case based reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based AI, neural networks, fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g. genetic algorithms), swarm intelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and hybrid intelligent systems (e.g. Expert inference rules generated through a neural network or production rules from statistical learning).

[0044] In one aspect, the MobileZen software 106 can comprise computer executable code that performs the steps of the recited methods, including providing website access whereby a subscriber can select a keyword, associating the selected keyword with a messaging service code such as, for example, an SMS short code (a 5 or 6 digit number), establishing content on a mobile web page that is associated with a select keyword, receiving a message service message (e.g., a text message) from a recipient's remote computing device that includes the select keyword and message service code, and responding to the message service code by providing access to the content associated with that select keyword to the recipient's remote computing device. The subscriber data 107 can comprise the content that is established on the mobile web page.

Methods

[0045] Described below are exemplary aspects of methods of practicing embodiments of the invention. Generally, account creation involves a person (i.e., a "Subscriber") creating an account through a website, such as for example, www.mobilezen.com. The website pages are used to collect certain basic information to establish the Subscriber's account and in order to bill the Subscriber's credit card or establish other payment methods. Certain information can be required for entry, and certain information can be optional. Step 1 for account creation comprises entering account information: hi one aspect, a Subscriber can select the name of the sales agent (if any) from a pull-down on the Website page or enter a promotional code. The promotion code is assigned a particular sales agent. If the sales agent is selected or a valid promotional code is entered, all keywords selected by that Subscriber for its account can be attributed to the sales agent for purposes of tracking and compensation.

[0046] A drop-down list of market segments appears on the Website page. The Website

Administrator has the ability to add additional market segments to the Website page at any time and to assign templates (form fields used to build a mobile web page (i.e., a "TextSite") with illustrative content) to those new, market segments. After a market segment is chosen and a Subscriber account is created, those templates are automatically copied to the Subscriber's account and accessed exclusively by that Subscriber.

[0047] Step 2 of one aspect of account creation comprises selection of one or more keywords. Subscribers are able to select their keywords. The Website Administrator has the ability to permit the Subscriber to select any number of keywords or to limit how many keywords can be chosen at any time. In one aspect, keywords can be a string of letters from a-z or 0-9, or a combination thereof; keywords can be from 2 to 116 characters and include certain non-ASCII characters, such as a dash, underscore, etc. The Website Administator has the ability to restrict the permissible characters for a keyword. In one aspect, a keyword cannot be selected, if it matches (1) keywords in a database of profane or restricted words; (2) keywords reserved by Website Administrator; or (3) keywords purchased by other Subscribers.

[0048] As a Subscriber enters each character for a keyword, the Subscriber is dynamically informed, on a character-by-character basis, whether the keyword with those characters and in that sequence is available. The total price, monthly price and activation fees are dynamically adjusted as a Subscriber enters the keyword. The price for a keyword is prorated for the partial days remaining in the month. A pricing matrix for accounts can be determined by the Website Administrator and implemented in business rules. In one aspect, the Website Administrator can vary the pricing depending on the number or type of characters in the keyword. Promotional codes can be determined by an Website Administrator, along with the duration of the promotion, which can be implemented in business rules. If a Subscriber has entered a valid promotion code, the Subscriber receives a percentage discount on the price of the keyword and/or activation fee associated with that keyword, depending upon the discount parameters associated with that particular promotion, for the length of the promotion.

[0049] In one aspect, step 3 of account creation comprises entering payment information.

In one aspect, Subscribers are able to enter their payment information using a credit card. Subscribers can review their order and make changes after entering payment information.

[0050] In one aspect, Step 4 of account creation comprises order summary. A Subscriber is given a summary of their keyword selection, billing and contact information for their account. In one aspect, the Subscriber cannot proceed with their order unless the checkbox has been selected, whereby the Subscriber agrees to the terms of service for the account. The terms of service can be edited by the Website Administrator.

Control Panel

[0051] Once a Subscriber opens an account, the Subscriber has access to a control panel or dashboard (the "Account Dashboard"). The Account Dashboard allows Subscribers to manage all aspects of their subscribed services, including reporting, keywords and TextSites^SM and custom templates.

[0052] The Subscriber can upload an image or edit an existing image, which image appears in a margin such as the right-hand margin of the Account Dashboard and in the directory of keywords (the "Keyword Directory"), if the Subscriber elects to have its keyword appear in the Keyword Directory. If no image is uploaded, then only the Subscriber's company name or other associated information appears, which information is drawn from the account sign-up page. In one aspect, the image can be left blank, or the image can be a default image that can be replaced by a user-selected image. Images can be automatically resized and compressed to display in the Account Dashboard and Keyword Directory.

[0053] hi one aspect, Subscribers can purchase more keywords at any time by selecting a button on the Dashboard such as, "add keywords." This will take the Subscriber to Step 2 of the ordering process, as described above.

[0054] Subscribers can also delete keywords at any time. In one aspect, when a keyword is deleted, (1) the keyword returns to the database so that it may be purchased again; (2) the Keyword Description, the TextSite^SM and report data for that keyword are deleted, and (3) the Subscriber is not billed for that keyword after the month when the deletion occurs. Keyword Directory

[0055] The Keyword Directory is a listing of all keywords that are active and which a

Subscriber desires to have published in the Keyword Directory. The Keyword Directory is accessible from the home or landing page of the Website, and from the Account Dashboard. When a keyword is purchased, it is published by default in the Keyword Directory. A Subscriber may elect to remove all or any one of its keywords from the Keyword Directory at any time or elect to republish the keyword in the directory. A Subscriber has the option to include an image for its keywords and a narrative of text (the "Keyword Description") to appear with each keyword in the Keyword Directory. A hyperlink to the TextSite^SM for each keyword appears in the Keyword Directory, along the Subscriber's image and Keyword Description. In one aspect, a single image is used for the Subscriber's keywords. In other aspects, the Subscriber has the ability to (1) have an image for each keyword published in the Keyword Directory; (2) chat or instant message another Subscriber on a per keyword basis. One can root search any keywords in the Keyword Directory. Complete matches rank higher than partial matches, when searched. Account Dashboard — Keywords

[0056] Subscribers can see an alphabetical listing of all their active and inactive keywords, where they can edit, change status and select custom templates to build their TextSite^SM. In one aspect, keywords can be sorted based on which have the most TextSite^SM views or text-message requests, or grouped by active keywords and inactive keywords. Account Dashboard - Keywords - Summary

[0057] In the Summary tab, the Subscriber can enter a Keyword Description, which description automatically populates the description for that particular keyword in the Keyword Directory. Any updates by the Subscriber to the Keyword Description will automatically appear in the Keyword Directory.

[0058] Under the Summary tab for each keyword, details about the keyword and its usage can be found, including: (1) The status of the keyword, that is whether it is active or inactive; (2) The date that the keyword was created; (3) The number of times that the keyword has been texted to the SMS short code paired to that keyword; (4) The number of times that the TextSite^SM for that keyword has been viewed on a browser; (5) The template that the TextSite^SM for that keyword is using; (6) The date that either the keyword description, the automated text-message reply or the TextSite^SM was last edited; and (6) The URL for the TextSite^SM in the form of a hyperlink.

[0059] The Subscriber can make its keyword active or inactive at any time. If a keyword is active, a text of that keyword to the associated short code will return an automated text- message reply, and the TextSite^SM for that keyword can be viewed. If a keyword is inactive, then (1) no automated text message reply is returned when the keyword is texted to the associated short code; (2) the keyword will not appear in the Keyword Directory, even if the Subscriber opted to publish its keyword in the Keyword Directory; and (3) the TextSite^SM for the keyword will not be visible. Account Dashboard — Keywords — Text Message Reply

[0060] The Subscriber can create its automated text message reply or auto-build it from selected fields in the Custom Template associated with that keyword. The Subscriber can change the text of the message at any time. The Subscriber can copy and paste or insert in its automated text message reply a contact file (e.g., by not by way of limitation, a vcf file), video, or image, including but not limited to an image (optimized and formatted for mobile viewing) of a TextSite,^SM subject to a predetermined file size limit. The TextSite^SM image is automatically generated by the Subscriber and bears a filename in the form such as mobilezen.com.keyword.jpg.

[0061] If the keyword is active and that keyword is sent to the associated short code, the

Subscriber's automated text message reply is delivered to the requesting party's mobile device by an automated text message reply. In one aspect, the characters in the automated text message body are checked against the database of profane or restricted words. If any string of characters in the automated text message reply is the same as the string of characters in the database, an asterisk is automatically substituted for each character in the string.

[0062] The Website Administrator can establish a business rule that sets a limit on the number of, or the allowable characters for, an automated text message reply. Carriage returns are considered a character for purposes of the limit. A counter displays the number of characters in the automated text message reply which exceed or are less than the pre-defined number of permissible characters. The character count is dynamic, insofar as the measurement is made and reflected as each character is entered. When there are more characters than the pre-defined number of permissible characters, the counter can turn a different color (e.g., red) and displays the excess number of characters. All characters in excess of the pre-defined number of permissible characters do not appear in the automated text message reply that is sent when the keyword is sent to the associated short code.

[0063] The Subscriber can preview its automated text-message reply. If there are any characters in excess of the pre-defined number of permissible characters, the excess number of characters does not appear when the automated text-message reply is previewed.

[0064] In one aspect, all automated text message replies contain a "Reply Footer" such as, for example "TxtHELP4info/STOP2end." Generally, the Reply Footer cannot be removed or modified by the Subscriber. The Website Administrator has the ability to edit the Reply Footer. The Reply Footer appears when the Subscriber previews its automated text message reply. The Reply Footer does not appear in the entry box where the automated text-message reply is created. The entry box is only intended to display the Subscriber's intended reply.

[0065] The Subscriber can enter a new mobile number or edit an existing mobile number, so that anytime the keyword is sent to the associated short code, an automated text message is automatically sent to that mobile number (the "Text Alert"). The Text Alert can include: (1) the keyword; (2) the time, including AM or PM (e.g., 3:10 PM EDT); (3) the month, day and year; and (4) the mobile phone number that requested the keyword.

[0066] Subscribers also can designate an individual or a certain group of people to receive alerts by electronic mail when a keyword is sent to the associated short code.

[0067] The TextSite^SM URL for the keyword is displayed as a hyperlink below the entry box for the automated text message reply. The TextSite^SM URL for any keyword can have a form such as https://mdbϊiezen.com/ keyword. Account Dashboard - Keywords - TextSite^SM

[0068] As described herein, TextSites^SM are Web pages that are customized by the

Subscriber and are optimized for display on mobile phone browsers. TextSites^SM are designed from templates assigned to the Subscriber's account at account registration or are designed from templates created by the Subscriber. In one aspect, the Subscriber selects a template to use to create its TextSite^SM for each keyword. Each template is made of fields grouped together in a linear fashion. All fields, including the images and data for the selected template, auto-fill the fields in the TextSite^SM and appear in column format. The title font, text font, text color and background color assigned to the template are assigned by default to the TextSite^SM.

[0069] If a change in data for a field is made to any template, the change is automatically pushed through to each and every TextSite^SM that uses that template. For example, if a typographical error appears in a field for a template, and a correction is made in the field in the template, the corrected text will appear in all TextSites^SM that use that template.

[0070] The Subscriber can edit or delete any or all data in a field or fields in the

TextSite^SM, without affecting the data in the template. If all the data for a field is removed in the TextSite^SM, the field will not appear in the TextSite^SM.

[0071] The Subscriber can remove any images in the TextSite^SM, or add new images in substitution of the existing images. If an image is present, the file name of the image will appear adjacent to the field in the TextSite^SM.

[0072] The Subscriber can vary the font for all title fields in the TextSite^SM from the default or initial title font assigned to the template. The Subscriber can choose for its title font: sans-serif font, serif font, modern font, monospace font, and fun font. The Subscriber can also choose the font for all text fields: sans-serif font, serif font, modern font, monospace font, and fun font. In Safari™ and in Firefox™ browsers, the style of the font appears. Any selection of title and or text font is immediate, so that the selection appears when the TextSite^SM is previewed or when the TextSite^SM URL is viewed. [0073] The Subscriber can choose any color for its font and any color for its background for the TextSite^SM. There are 256 million choices each for font color and for background color. When the color is chosen, the hexadecimal color code is displayed, along with the chosen color. Alternatively, the Subscriber can enter the hexadecimal color code, and the associated color will display. Any selection of font color and or background color is immediate, so that the selection appears when the TextSite^SM is previewed or when the TextSite^SM URL is viewed.

[0074] The Subscriber can preview the TextSite^SM at any time. When previewed, a popup box with the TextSite^SM will appear. Empty fields (fields where no content has been entered) do not display.

[0075] The Subscriber is able to enter any URL (the "Redirect URL"), including the

URL for another TextSite^SM or third party website, and when the hyperlink for a keyword is accessed, the accessing party will be automatically redirected to the Redirect URL. For example, but not by way of limitation, if the Subscriber enters https://mobilezen.com/lawfirm for its Redirect URL for the keyword, attorney, and one accesses the TextSite^SM URL https://mobilezen.com/attorney, one will be redirected to https://mobilezen.com/attorney.

[0076] A Subscriber may select a different template to use at any time for a keyword.

The Subscriber receives a warning before it can change a template for a keyword. Account Dashboard — Keywords — Custom Templates

[0077] This adding of form elements in a linear fashion is how a custom template is built.

Templates may be comprised of one or more of the following fields: (A) an Image field; (B) a Text Area field; (C) Web/Map link field; (D) a YouTube™ Video field; and (E) a twitter^SM ID field. A warning prompt appears before a Subscriber is permitted to delete a field.

[0078] The Subscriber has the choice to create a new template, edit an existing template, or copy an existing template and then use or edit the copied template. If a Subscriber copies a template, it will create a new template with the same name as the copied template, but with word, "Copy," appended to the end of the existing template name. If a Subscriber chooses to create a new, custom template, the Subscriber can add any one or more of the following fields to create the template: (A) an Image field; (B) a Text Area field; (C) Web/Map link field; (D) a YouTube™ Video field; and (E) a Twitter^SM ID field.

[0079] (A). An Image field has an area for: (1) A title. All text in a title is left-justified and appears above the image, if there is one; (2) A caption. All text in a caption is centered and appears below the image, if there is one; and (3) an image. All images, which are jpegs, jpgs and png formats, are automatically compressed and resized so that they load quickly and span the horizontal width of the TextSite^SM, less the assigned, left and right margin buffers. All images, other than the indicated formats, are not compressed and do not resize. All images appear centered on the TextSite^SM. Any phone numbers that are entered in the title or caption are converted to a click-to-call number when selected on the mobile phone browser, any email addresses in the title or caption launch the mobile phone email program when selected, and any URLs entered in the title or caption are converted to hyperlinks.

[0080] (B) A Text Area field has an area for a title and for text. Generally, text in this field is left-justified. Any phone numbers that are entered in the title or text area are converted to a click-to-call number when selected on the mobile phone browser, any email addresses in the title or text area launch the mobile phone email program when selected, and any URLs entered in the title or text area are converted to hyperlinks.

[0081] (C) and (D) A Web/Map Link field and a YouTube™ Video field each have an area for the URL and an area for a title. When a title is created, the title appears as a hyperlink. Generally, text in this field is left-justified.

[0082] (E) A twitter^SM ID field has an area for the twitter^SM username and for a title.

When a title is created, the title appears as a hyperlink to the right of the twitter^SM logo. Generally, text in this field appears as left-justified.

[0083] The Subscriber has the option to add a field at the bottom of the TextSite^SM to

"Email TextSite^SM." This option displays a box at the bottom of the TextSite^SM which permits the person viewing the TextSite^SM to enter an email address in the box on the TextSite^SM and email the TextSite^SM through the mobilezen server by clicking the "submit" button. Once an email address is entered and the email sent, the words, "Email sent! Send another?" appear in the TextSite^SM.

[0084] The Subscriber can enter a numerical Character Limit for a Text Area field, which prevents the Subscriber from entering more than the allotted number of characters specified in the Character Limit in the corresponding field in any TextSite^SM using that template.

[0085] The Subscriber can denote a field as a Required Field, which mandates that a

Subscriber creating a TextSite^SM using that template include some image and/or content, as applicable, in the field indicated as a Required Field.

[0086] The Subscriber can choose whether to make text in a title or text area appear in the automated text message reply, when a command is entered to automatically build the automated text message reply.

[0087] The Subscriber can choose from the following style commands for each title in a template field: small, medium or large font; normal, bold, underlined, and italics. The Subscriber can choose from the aforesaid style commands for all the text in any one field. Certain styles are default in a template. In one aspect, the Subscriber can select other font or style commands for each title or text in a text area.

[0088] The Subscriber can preview a template at any time. When a template is previewed, a rectangular box appears, displaying each field and its content, as it would appear on a mobile device. If there is no title and no text (or caption), no field will appear in the preview.

[0089] A field can be reordered or deleted at any time. Any content in a field is deleted when the field is deleted, or moved when the field is moved.

[0090] A template is presented by four columns. The first column is the field type, i.e.,

Image field, Text Area field, Web/Map Link field, YouTube™ Video field, and twitter^SM ID field. The second column displays the title for each field, or, if there is no title, the first 25 characters of the text area for that field. The third column displays position commands, which can move a field vertically, up or down. The fourth column displays the style commands for each field and the option to delete the field.

[0091] hi one aspect, a Subscriber can reorder fields by selecting a number position for the field. For example, but not by way of limitation, if a Subscriber has for its first field, an Image field, and selects 5 for the field placement, the field will automatically relocate and be the 5^th field on the template. Account Dashboard — Keywords — Custom Templates — Summary [0092] The Summary tab under Custom Templates shows the title of the template and a description for the template. The Subscriber can change the title of any template and can add a description for the template so that the Subscriber can better identify the template or its use.

[0093] Beneath the title and description of the template, the keywords are listed that use the template to build a TextSite^SM. Account Dashboard - Custom Templates - Fonts/Colors

[0094] The Fonts/Colors tab under Custom Templates shows the title font, text font, text color and background color originally assigned to the template or changed for the template. The Subscriber can vary the title font, text font, text color and background color from the original settings assigned to the template. The Subscriber can choose for its title font and/or for its text font: sans-serif font, serif font, modern font, monospace font, and fun font. In Safari™ and in Firefox™ browsers, the style of the font appears. Any selection of title and or text font is immediately displayed in the TextSite^SM.

[0095] The Subscriber can choose any color for its text and any color for its background.

There are choices for text color and for background color. When the color is chosen, the hexadecimal color code is displayed, along with the chosen color. Alternatively, the Subscriber can enter the hexadecimal color code and the associated color will display. Any changes in the text color and in the font color are immediately displayed. Account Dashboard — E-Notifications - Info

[0096] The Subscriber can create a list or lists of persons to receive notification by electronic mail (the "Alert List"), when the Subscriber's keyword is sent to the associated short code. The Alert List is accessed in Account Dashboard-Keywords-Text Message. Each Alert List can have a custom message that is delivered when the alert is issued. The message contains the mobile phone number which requested the keyword, the automated text message reply associated with the keyword, and the date and time that the keyword was sent to the associated short code. The Subscriber can choose at any time to make an Alert List inactive. When an Alert List is made inactive, the Alert List will not appear in the drop-down list of available alerts. Account Dashboard - Account

[0097] The Subscriber can view or edit basic information about their account, including billing information.

Account Dashboard - Reports

[0098] The Subscriber will be able to view comprehensive reports about their TextSite^SM and keyword activity, including, for example: Number of keywords; Total Text Message Requests; Total Text Message Requests (over a designated time period such as, for example, last 30 days); Total TextSite^SM Views; and Total TextSite^SM Views (over a designated time period such as, for example, Last 30 days).

[0099] For each keyword and by date or range of dates, the Subscriber can view the phone number for the person who requested the keyword and the date and time of the keyword request.

[00100] For each keyword and by date or range of dates, the Subscriber can view the IP address when the TextSite^SM was viewed and the date and time that the TextSite^SM was viewed. Whenever there are new views or new text-message requests and the browser is refreshed, the data in the reports is updated with the new data.

[00101] The Subscriber is able to view, sort, filter and download the activity log for text message requests and TextSite^SM views. The Subscriber can view the results by a single keyword or date range. The results shown can exported to a spreadsheet.

[00102] While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[00103} Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification. Examples

[00104] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices and/or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated, and are intended to be purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the methods and systems. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in °C or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.

[00105] The application of the embodiments described herein to business and social interaction closes the information gap and accelerates business commerce. Embodiments described herein combine the convenience of the traditional business card (basic information at the point of need), with the detailed content and information afforded by a traditional website, with the flexibility to modify the subscriber content from any mobile device or Internet device within seconds, with no graphic or web design background and no hardware or software. Recipients are now able to send the unique keyword to a messaging system code (e.g., an SMS short code) on their mobile or Internet device or to load the subscriber's mobile web page and receive dynamic subscriber generated content in response. These combinations result in the delivery of aggregated, dynamic information to a recipient, at the point in time when the information is needed or requested by the recipient, to the destination where the information is most readily available to the recipient ~ the recipient's mobile or Internet device (as the case may be) - - which information can be customized by the subscriber for the particular recipient. Unlike other text messaging platforms or mobile web sites, the content is subscriber driven and dynamic, and can be easily modified by the subscriber, quickly and efficiently.

[00106] The embodiments of the invention and their application aggregate information and provide all of the dynamic, focused content that the subscriber wishes to publicize relative to a recipient, traditionally provided and only obtained by accessing a website, or through multiple sources or formats. Together, by combining a unique or vanity keyword and messaging code (e.g., an SMS short code), along with the subscriber's mobile web page associated with that keyword, the described embodiments can become a single, permanent source for all of a subscriber's public information associated with that keyword. The subscriber benefits from having one gateway point that serves as a link or access point to information that is deemed critical or important by the subscriber to communicate with others. Instead of information being published to contacts, such as by business card, electronic mail, telephone, announcement note cards, etc., information can now be retrieved by contacts when they want the information, using this single gateway. Plus, any changes to the subscriber information for that keyword on the website's database are automatically reflected when a recipient retrieves a Subscriber's MobileZen Card™.

[00107] The use of embodiments of the invention in commerce allows the subscriber to track and analyze information relating to the use of the invention by recipients. Unlike most web pages that offer statistics to the owner concerning the number of loads per page and referral sources, the invention allows subscribers to capture and identify the phone numbers from where the requests came, the time and date of the requests, the number of requests for the Subscriber's MobileZen Card™ and the number of times that the subscriber's mobile web page was downloaded and refreshed, all accessible by mobile device or other Internet enabled device. Subscribers can now follow-up on the requests, track the recipients of the subscriber information, evaluate times and dates for requests to determine hours of operation and staffing needs, and track the effectiveness of any information provided on the Subscriber's mobile web page.

[00108] The following examples of applications of embodiments the invention illustrate the numerous differences between embodiments of the invention and existing applications and how it might be used to enhance and accelerate commerce. Example 1- As a replacement for a traditional business card:

[00109] Introduction: Mary is an attorney attending a networking function hoping to meet new clients. At the event, she is introduced to Bob. Bob may be a potential client, and, after speaking briefly with Mary, Bob requests Mary's contact information. In order to provide Bob with the information that he requested, Mary customarily would either (i) hand Bob her paper business card or, (ii) send an electronic mail or text message to Bob with her contact information, or (iii) provide Bob with her website address, or (iv) provide Bob with her Facebook, Linkedln or other social media website address. However, Mary is interested in making an immediate impression on Bob in order to earn his business. In their brief conversation, Mary does not have time to inform Bob of her experience in the practice of law, the awards and recognition that she has received throughout her career, nor offer him examples of her representative clients. Similarly, this information cannot be conveyed on a business card, or practically done by way of an introductory electronic mail at the moment of the introduction. Mary could refer Bob to her website; however, Bob would only be able to access that information when he returns to his office or by the tedious task of inputting Mary's website address in his mobile device and accessing her website, assuming that it is accessible and optimized for viewing on a mobile device. In order to provide the information to Bob as soon as possible, while Mary's name and face are prevalent in Bob's mind, and/or provide Bob with a means to obtain the information at his discretion, Mary simply gives Bob her MobileZen Card™ (i.e. her unique vanity keyword and SMS short code - e.g. Marylawyer to 34534). With that information, Bob is now able to send an SMS text message using his mobile phone and receive immediate access to a summary of Mary's contact information via SMS text message reply and, within that text message reply, have a hyperlink to Mary's mobile web page (e.g., https://mobilezen.com/marylawyer) containing Mary's subscriber content, including all of the information that Mary wanted to give Bob but was unable using existing technology. Bob can also save, bookmark or forward that information for future use.

[00110] Delivery: Alternatively, Mary can send Bob the content of the SMS text message reply to his mobile device via text message or send him Mary's vanity URL (e.g. https://mobilezen.com/marylawyer), via electronic mail or via SMS text message, linking Bob to Mary's unique mobile web page, from which Bob can access Mary's subscriber content.

[00111] Information Update: Two days later, Mary gets a new electronic mail address at work and wants to be sure that everyone knows about the change. Customarily, Mary would need to either (a) order new business cards reflecting the change, which cost money, take time to print and distribute, and consume precious natural resources, and/or (ii) send a mass electronic mail to her contacts notifying them of the change, and/or (iii) telephone her contacts with the new address, and/or (iv) send announcement cards notifying her contacts of the change. With the MobileZen Card™, Mary can simply access her MobileZen account on the Applicant's website via an Internet enabled mobile phone or other internet enabled device and easily update any aspect of her subscriber content, including her new electronic mail address. The change that Mary makes takes effect immediately and anyone that thereafter retrieves Mary's MobileZen Card™, either by SMS text message or by reloading Mary's mobile web page, gains access to her updated information. Mary avoids all of the customary notification methods described above and saves time and money to get her information to market. ] Tracking and Analytics: (i) The managing partner in Mary's law firm wants to track the amount of networking that lawyers in the firm are doing. Customarily, this information was not available in a tangible form. If the lawyers in the firm are using the MobileZen Card™, the managing partner can simply access the Applicant's website using his/her login code and password and set up an alert to receive a notification (via electronic mail and/or SMS text message) when attorneys' respective MobileZen Card™'s are accessed. When Bob sends a text message using Mary's MobileZen Card™, the managing partner of the firm also receives a notification via SMS text message and/or electronic mail that Mary's MobileZen Card™ had been requested and the phone number from which the request had been made. Additionally, on the Applicant's website, the managing partner is able to obtain detailed analytics regarding the number of times a particular attorney's MobileZen Card™ has been requested, the date and time of each request, and the number of times each attorney's mobile web page has been viewed, (ii) Mary wants to know if Bob took the time to review her information to evaluate whether or not Bob was considering her qualifications. Mary also may elect to receive the same notifications as the managing partner with respect to her MobileZen Card™, informing her when Bob accesses her MobileZen Card™. In this manner, Mary is able to gauge Bob's interest level. In addition, Mary has now captured Bob's mobile phone number for a one-time reply or for future use, with Bob's permission. Moreover, by accessing the Applicant's website using her login code and password, Mary can track the number of prospective clients that have used her MobileZen card, the date and time of each request and the number of times her mobile web page has been viewed. [00113] Benefits to Others. Bob does not want to lose or misplace Mary's contact information and wants to be sure that it remains current and updated in the future. Customarily, Bob, upon receipt of Mary's business card, assuming that it does not get misplaced, would have to manually input or scan the information into his computer contacts file or place the card itself into his business card file. Because the information on the card is only as current as the date that the card was printed, Bob has no way of knowing if and when the information on the card is no longer current. With the MobileZen Card™, every time that Bob accesses Mary's information, via SMS text message using her MobileZen Card™ or by reloading Mary's unique mobile web page, Bob receives the most current subscriber content created by Mary. In addition, Bob now only needs to remember one point of contact for Mary, her MobileZen Card™. Example 2 - As a business marketing tool:

[00114] Introduction: Carol is a mortgage originator working for a large mortgage company with many clients. She is referred to Mark, a new client looking to refinance his existing home loan. In addition, Carol has a number of existing clients seeking to refinance their existing mortgages. Mark informs Carol that he is seeking a 30-year fixed rate conventional mortgage and wants to lock in the lowest possible rate. Mark, like other busy professionals, does not have the time during the day to call Carol, one or more times each day, to hear the current mortgage rates or trends. Similarly, it would be impossible for Carol to call all of her clients to give them updates on mortgage rates, nor does Carol want to bother her clients with daily rate changes. Realizing the demand for current information from her clients, and knowing that many are on the go with little time to check websites and electronic mail throughout the day, Carol connects to Applicant's website and creates a MobileZen Card™ (e.g. CarolLoans to 27979) containing her business contact information, background and experience in the mortgage industry, and a hyperlink to her mobile web page which she also creates on Applicant's website and includes current mortgage rates across a variety of mortgage products. The rates can be updated as often as Carol needs, either by manual data entry or via an API link to a database containing the information that she intends to include.

[00115] Delivery: Upon meeting Mark, Carol simply provides Mark with her MobileZen

Card™. Mark is able to send an SMS text message using Carol's MobileZen Card™ and in response receives access to Carol's subscriber created content, including a hyperlink to Carol's mobile web page showing the most current mortgage rates across a variety of mortgage products. Alternatively, Carol can send Mark the content of the SMS text message reply to his mobile or Internet device via SMS text message or send to Mark a hyperlink, via electronic mail or via SMS text message, to Carol's unique mobile web page containing her vanity URL (e.g. http://mobilezen.com/CarolLoans) from which Mark can access Carol's subscriber content. Alternatively, Carol can send Mark her vanity URL (https://mobilezen.com/CarolLoans), via electronic mail or via SMS text message, linking Mark to Carol's unique mobile web age, from which Mark can access Carol's subscriber content.

[00116] Information Update: Two days later, Mark reads that mortgage rates are rising, and he wants to check the current rates that Carol is offering and lock in a rate. Mark sends a text message using Carol's MobileZen Card™, or simply clicks on the previously provided hyperlink to Carol's mobile web page to check the rates, which are updated. From there, he can click on a direct link to call, send an electronic mail, or send an SMS text message to Carol asking her to proceed to lock in a mortgage rate for him.

[00117] Tracking and Analytics: Carol wants to track the number of prospects that are checking mortgage rates to identify which clients or potential clients are showing the most interest and the time of day that clients or potential clients seek this information. Each time that a request is submitted, Carol is able to receive, at her election, an SMS text message and/or electronic mail identifying the phone number, date and time from which the request originated. Through the Applicant's website, Carol can obtain analytics to see how many times a particular client sought rate information via text message or by downloading Carol's mobile web page, including the date and time that the requests are made and the number of times her mobile web page has been viewed. In addition, Carol has now captured each prospects mobile phone number for a one-time reply or for future use with the prospect's consent. Example 3 -As a business information tool:

[00118] Introduction: Hotel ABC offers its guests a variety of services and activities and desires (i) to promote those activities and services to its guests, and (ii) to make the information available to them at any time during their stay, wherever they may be. Customarily, Hotel ABC offers a hotel directory placed in each guest's hotel room containing a list of restaurants, activities, services, etc. In addition, Hotel ABC offers concierge services to its guests during certain hours of the day, located in the lobby and accessible by telephone. Guest Lee is at breakfast and wants to reserve a beach chair and also learn the hours of operation and the cost to rent a paddleboard. He does not want to return to his room to get that information, and the concierge is off-duty at this hour. At check-in, Hotel ABC provides Guest Lee with the Hotel's MobileZen Card™ (e.g. MarriottNYC to 37131). Hotel ABC created its MobileZen Card™ on Applicant's website. It includes current information about all of the services and activities offered by Hotel ABC, with contact names and phone numbers. Using the Hotel's MobileZen Card™, Guest Lee is able to send an SMS text message and, in response, receive access to a summary of all of the activities and services offered by Hotel ABC via SMS text message reply and access a hyperlink to Hotel ABC's mobile web page containing Hotel' ABC's subscriber content, which may include services, activities, restaurants, off-site activities, transportation information, local weather, beach information, etc. The SMS text message reply and mobile web page also contain all of the contact information for each activity and service via hyperlinks to telephone numbers or electronic mail addresses in order to enable Guest Lee to easily obtain more information, when he wishes it, using his mobile phone or Internet device.

[00119] Customer Service: Alternatively, after reading the information, Guest Lee still has some questions about the paddleboard rental. Using a hyperlink to the paddleboard rental store contained on Hotel ABC's mobile web page, Guest Lee can call, send an electronic mail or send a text message to that store requesting help or more information.

[00120] Information Update: Realizing that a storm is heading in its path, Hotel ABC wants to update beach conditions and swimming restrictions. Through the Applicant's website, Hotel ABC can easily update its subscriber content on its MobileZen Card™ to indicate that a severe storm is coming, the tide is at a very high level and that swimming is no longer permitted, or otherwise change any aspect of the subscriber content. The change takes effect immediately and anyone thereafter that uses the Hotel ABC's MobileZen Card™ by sending an SMS text message, or downloads or refreshes the Hotel ABC's mobile web page, seeking beach conditions, will gain access to the latest updated information provided by Hotel ABC.

[00121] Tracking and Analytics: ABC Hotel wants to track the popularity of a particular service or activity, determine the best times to offer such service or activity and have the proper staffing to accommodate guest needs. Through the Applicant's website, Hotel ABC can obtain analytics to assess guest's interest in certain services or activities and determine customer service staffing needs by tracking the number of times a particular MobileZen Card™has been requested and downloaded and the number of times that a particular web link within the Hotel ABC's mobile web page has been loaded, including the date and time that the requests are made and the number of times that each mobile web page has been viewed. In addition, Hotel ABC has now captured each guest's mobile phone number for a one-time reply, or for future use with the guests' consent.

[00122] Benefits to Others: Guest Lee is on vacation and does not want to have to carry

Hotel ABC's guest services directory with him. Likewise, he does not want to have to call Hotel ABC's concierge every time that he wants to find out about activities. He is also concerned that some of the information contained in the printed guest directory may be outdated because the information in the directory is only as current as the last date that the directory was printed. With the MobileZen Card™, every time that Guest Lee accesses the Hotel ABC's MobileZen Card™, Guest Lee receives the most current guest and hotel information that Hotel ABC has. In addition, Guest Lee now only needs to remember one point of contact - Hotel ABC's MobileZen Card™ ~ for all of Hotel ABC's guest and hotel information while he is on vacation. Example 4 -As a product marketing tool

[00123] Introduction: XYZ Company sells premium washing machines at a large retail chain store. XYZ Company is interested in distinguishing its product from other washing machines for sale at the same store. Customer Sue is in the store looking to purchase a washing machine. Customer Sue has no information about washing machines other than the printed price tags attached to each machine and is unable to locate a clerk in the store to assist her or to find a clerk who is knowledgeable about a particular washing machine. On one of its washing machines, XYZ Company has placed a sign or tag containing a MobileZen Card™ for that particular product (e.g. For information on this product and a discount offer, text "xyzwasher" to 23345). While standing in front of the washing machine, using her mobile or Internet device, Customer Sue is able to send a SMS text message using the washing machine's MobileZen Card™ and, in response, receive access to a summary of the pertinent information on the washing machine via SMS text message reply, and a hyperlink to a mobile web page containing up to date content on that washing machine, which may include product specifications and information, hyperlinks to XYZ Company's website or customer service department, recent reviews, comparisons to other products, and promotional or discount offers for that product or complimentary ones, like matching dryers. With her newfound knowledge, and a coupon as well, Customer Sue decides to purchase XYZ Company's washing machine and matching dryer.

[00124] Customer Service: Alternatively, after reading the information, Customer Sue still has some questions about the product. Using the hyperlink to the customer service representative telephone number contained on the washing machine's MobileZen Card™, Customer Sue can call or send a text message to that number requesting help or information. A representative from XYZ Company answers the call and is able to offer the information that Customer Sue needs at the time that she needs it. Customarily, if Customer Sue did not have the information that she sought, she may not have made the purchase. Likewise, XYZ Company has made a positive impression on Customer Sue as a technologically advanced company with excellent customer service.

[00125] Information Update: Realizing that sales are accelerating that morning as a result of the use of the MobileZen Card™, XYZ Company decides to withdraw the discount offer previously associated with the MobileZen Card™ that same afternoon. Through the Applicant's website, XYZ Company can easily update the content about the product, remove the coupon, or otherwise change any aspect of the subscriber content. In this same manner, XYZ Company can change current pricing, update specifications or tailor its information on a particular product to a certain demographic either by time of day or location.

[00126] Tracking and Analytics: XYZ Company wants to improve its customer service.

Using the Applicant's website, XYZ Company can set up an alert to receive a notification when customers make inquiries about a particular product. When Customer Sue sends the text message to retrieve the washing machine's MobileZen Card™, XYZ Company receives a notification via SMS text message and/or via electronic mail that the washing machine's MobileZen Card™ had been requested and the phone number from which the request had been made. Reflecting outstanding customer service, one of XYZ' s customer service representatives receives the notification and sends an unobtrusive text message to Customer Sue asking her if she has any questions or needs additional information. In addition, XYZ Company has now captured Customer Sue's mobile phone number for future use with Customer Sue's consent.

[00127] XYZ Company also wants to track the number of consumers that have shown interest in its washing machine and track buying habits by time, date and location. Customarily, XYZ Company would have to spend a large amount of time and money doing consumer research studies, using focus groups, and tracking buying habits through its retailers. With the MobileZen Card™, through the Applicant's website, XYZ Company is able to obtain analytics to assess shopping and buying habits and determine consumer interest by tracking the number of times a particular MobileZen Card™ has been downloaded, the date and time that the requests are made, the number of times that each mobile web page has been viewed, and the number of times a particular offer or coupon has been viewed and redeemed. In this manner, XYZ Company can determine the effectiveness of the information they are offering and the consumer appeal of a particular coupon or offer.

[00128] Benefits to Others: As a consumer, Customer Sue wants to be well informed.

Customarily, she could find information on the web about the product that she wanted to purchase, but she would have to print that information and bring it to the store where she would purchase the product. Alternatively, she could ask a sales clerk to assist her at the store, but what if no sales clerks were available or they were not knowledgeable about a particular product. Typically, she may be unsure about her decision until she is able to see and compare the choices at the retail store. With the MobileZen Card™, Customer Sue is able to get all of the information on a particular product provided by the manufacturer on her mobile device at the point of need, that is, in the store and when she is ready to make her buying decision or needs to know.

[00129] Customer Sue also wants to make sure she is spending her money wisely and always looks for coupons and discount offers in her local paper. However, when she goes to the store to purchase her washer, she accidentally leaves her coupons at home. XYZ Company wants to save money on traditional print advertising and conserve environmental resources. When Customer Sue arrives at the store and uses the XYZ Company washer's MobileZen Card™, she has immediate and convenient access to a coupon for the washing machine, which encourages her buying decision. XYZ Company saves money and time on printing, advertising and distributing by not having to print and distribute a paper coupon. Example 5 - Social Interaction - As a personal communication tool:

[00130] Introduction: Allison is single and new to the Atlanta area and looking to meet new friends. She is invited to a charity event by some of her co-workers. At the event, she is introduced to Steve. Although they speak briefly, Steve thinks they may have common interests. However, Allison would like to know more about Steve. Customarily, if Steve wanted Allison to know more about him, he would either (i) hand Allison a piece of paper with his telephone number or his business card and hope that she would call, or (iv) provide Allison with his Facebook, Linkedln or other social media website address. However, Steve wants to make an immediate impression on Allison. In their brief conversation, Allison does not have time to find out that Steve is involved in the same charity work as she. Similarly, this information cannot be conveyed on a business card. Steve can refer Allison to his social media website; however, Allison would only be able to access that information when she returns to her home or office. In order to provide the information to Allison as soon as possible, while Steve's name and face are prevalent in Allison's mind, and/or provide Allison a means to obtain the information at her discretion, Steve simply gives Allison his MobileZen Card™ with his vanity keyword and short code (e.g. SteveCallMe to 34534). With that information, Allison is now able to send an SMS text message using her mobile phone and in response receive access to Steve's contact information via SMS text message reply and, within that text message reply, access a hyperlink to Steve's mobile web page (https.V/mobilezen.com/SteveCallMe) containing Steve's subscriber content, including all of the information that Steve wanted to give to Allison but was unable using existing technology. Allison can also save, bookmark or forward that information for future use.

[00131] Delivery: Steve can also send Allison the content of the SMS text message reply to her mobile device via text message or send his vanity URL (https://mobilezen.com/SteveCallMe) via electronic mail or via SMS text message, giving Allison a link to Steve's unique mobile web page, from which Allison can access Steve's subscriber generated content.

[00132] Information Update: Two days later, Steve changes his telephone number and wants to be sure that his friends know about the change. Customarily, if Steve had given Allison his number, she would be unable to reach him once the change took effect. With the MobileZen Card™, Steve can simply access his MobileZen account via a mobile or Internet device and easily update any aspect of his subscriber content, including his new telephone number. The change takes effect immediately and anyone that thereafter retrieves Steve's MobileZen Card™, either by SMS text message or by loading Steve's mobile web page, gains access to his updated information. Steve avoids all of the customary notification methods, saves time and money, and knows that Allison will be able to contact him.

[00133] Tracking and Analytics: Steve wants to know if Allison took the time to look at his subscriber content to see if Allison was interested in learning more about him. By accessing the Applicant's website using his login and password, Steve can see who requested his information via his MobileZen card, the date and time of each request and the number of times that his mobile web page has been viewed.

[00134] Benefits to Others: Allison does not want to lose or misplace Steve's contact information and wants to be sure that it remains current and updated in the future. Customarily, Allison, if she took Steve's phone number on a business card or the proverbial napkin (assuming it did not get misplaced), would have to input the information into her computer or mobile phone contacts file or write it down on paper. Because the information provided is only as current as the date that it was printed or written, Allison does not know about the change in Steve's telephone number. She might call and receive a busy signal, no answer or another telephone customer and have no resource to access Steve's number. With the MobileZen Card™, every time that Alison accesses Steve's information, via SMS text message using his MobileZen Card™ or by reloading Steve's unique mobile web page, Allison receives the most current subscriber content created by Steve. If Steve's telephone number changes, Allison need only refer back to Steve's MobileZen Card™ for the most current information. In addition, Allison now only needs to remember one point of contact for Steve, his MobileZen Card™.

Conclusion

[00135] Throughout this application, various publications may be referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which the methods and systems pertain.

[00136] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of providing user-specific content to a remote computing device, comprising: associating a keyword with a messaging service code, wherein the combination of the keyword and the messaging service code create a unique identifier; associating the unique identifier with a website hosted on a server, wherein the website comprises user-specific content; receiving by the server, a request to access the user-specific content from a remote computing device, wherein the request comprises the keyword sent to the messaging service code; providing by the server to the remote computing device, a hyperlink to the website in response to the request; sending by the server, a notification indicating that the request has been received, wherein the notification comprises information identifying the remote computing device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification is sent by the server to a second remote computing device separate from the remote computing device making the request.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote computing device is a mobile smartphone.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the information identifying the remote computing device comprises a telephone number.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing access to the website to the remote computing device in response to selection of the hyperlink via the remote computing device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the messaging service code comprises a short messaging service (SMS) code or a multi-media messaging code (MMS).

7. The method of claim 1, wherein providing by the server to the remote computing device, a hyperlink to the website in response to the request comprises sending a short messaging service (SMS) or a multi-media messaging (MMS) text message to the remote computing device, the text message including the hyperlink.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein associating a keyword with a messaging service code comprises the server authorizing a user-defined keyword such that the user-defined keyword in combination with the messaging service code creates the unique identifier.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein authorizing the user-defined keyword is subject to business rules.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the business rules prevent authorization of user-defined keywords that are profane or restricted.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein associating a keyword with a messaging service code comprises the server assigning the keyword such that the assigned keyword in combination with the messaging service code creates the unique identifier.

12. A method of providing content to a remote computing device, comprising: accessing a website hosted on a server and selecting an available keyword using said website, wherein the website is associated with a messaging service code; establishing user-defined content on a TextSite using said website, wherein said TextSite^SM is associated with said keyword, said keyword and said messaging service code in combination creating a unique identifier; and providing access to said TextSite to a recipient's remote computing device in response to receiving by the server a text message sent to the messaging service code from the recipient's remote computing device, the text message comprising the keyword.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein providing access to said TextSite to a recipient's remote computing device comprises sending a text message comprising a hyperlink from the server to the recipient's remote computing device, said hyperlink associated with the TextSite and the recipient can access the user-defined content by activating the hyperlink using the recipient's remote computing device.

14. A system for providing user-specific content to a remote computing device comprised of: a remote computing device; and a processor operably connected with a memory, wherein said processor is configured to; associate a keyword with a messaging service code, wherein the combination of the keyword and the messaging service code create a unique identifier, associate the unique identifier with a website comprising user-specific content at least partially stored in the memory, receive a request to access the user-specific content from the remote computing device, wherein the request comprises the keyword sent to the messaging service code, provide to the remote computing device a hyperlink to the website in response to the request, and send a notification indicating that the request has been received, wherein the notification comprises information identifying the remote computing device.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to send the notification to a second remote computing device separate from the remote computing device making the request.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the remote computing device is a mobile smartphone.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the information identifying the remote computing device comprises a telephone number.

18. The system of claim 14, further comprising the processor configured to provide access to the website to the remote computing device in response to selection of the hyperlink via the remote computing device.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the messaging service code comprises a short messaging service (SMS) code or a multi-media messaging code (MMS).

20. The system of claim 14, wherein providing to the remote computing device a hyperlink to the website in response to the request comprises the processor configured to send a short messaging service (SMS) or a multi-media messaging (MMS) text message to the remote computing device, the text message including the hyperlink.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein associating a keyword with a messaging service code comprises the processor configured to authorize a user-defined keyword such that the user- defined keyword in combination with the messaging service code creates the unique identifier.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein associating a keyword with a messaging service code comprises the processor configured to assign the keyword such that the assigned keyword in combination with the messaging service code creates the unique identifier.