MIM to cut into SMS, e-mail usage

Mobile instant messaging will eventually cannibalize SMS and computer-based e-mail, according to a survey from TNS Technology.
The survey of 17,000 respondents in 30 countries found that once users adopt MIM, it becomes their primary non-voice method of interacting with others. Of those who already use MIM, nearly two-thirds said they use it daily, compared with 55% who uses SMS daily and only 12% who use e-mail on their phone.
Instant messaging is experiencing dramatic growth. The firm estimates that 11 out of every 100 messages sent by a mobile device or personal computer are instant messages. Among MIM users, however, 36 out of every 100 messages is an IM, said TNS. The firm also found MIM users use fixed e-mail less than other consumers.