Person-to-person SMS messages are routed via the operator's SMS Center (SMSC). The SMSC can be configured to forward an incoming message to Adhere SMS Tagging and Forwarding Engine (STAFe). STAFe tags the message with an ad and then sends it back to the SMSC, which then forwards the message towards the destination. Details of the operation are as follows:
- The SMSC receives an incoming SMS from a mobile subscriber to another mobile user with recipient number XYZ.
- The SMSC is configured to forward messages from this originating subscriber to STAFe.
- STAFe receives the incoming message and requests the profile for recipient number XYZ from the User Profiles Server.
- If the User Profiles Server finds a profile for recipient number XYZ, it returns it in the response. Otherwise it responds with an error.
- STAFe requests an ad from the Ad Server for recipient number XYZ. The recipient profile is passed to the Ad Server in the request.
- The Ad Server responds with an appropriate ad that satisfies the criteria specified by the application in the request.
- STAFe edits the SMS by either prepending or appending the ad. The message is then transmitted back to the SMSC.
- The SMSC forwards the modified message on towards the destination.