System and method for strong and providing content to client devices

Abstract

A system and method for content management and delivery. Embodiments of the invention may include receiving a plurality of content items from a plurality of content providers, organizing the plurality of content items in a hierarchy, receiving a request for at least one content item among the plurality of content items; and providing the at least one content item subsequent to receiving the request. The content items may be organized on a server. An end user on a client device that communicates, directly or indirectly, with the server, such as a mobile device, for example, may browse the content, preview it, and purchase it, all in a consistent manner from content item to content item.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for providing content to a user comprising:
 providing the user with a catalog of a plurality of content items;   receiving a selection of at least one of the plurality of content items from the user;   retrieving the at least one of the plurality of content items;   sending a preview of the at least one of the plurality of content items to the user;   receiving a purchase request from the user; and   sending the at least one of the plurality of content items to the user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving the plurality of content items from at least one content providers;   organizing the plurality of content items into the catalog; and   setting a hierarchical level for the plurality of content items, the hierarchical level based at least in part on one or more of audiovisual outlook, payment method, access point, and a plug-in to be used for interfacing with a particular distribution system.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 organizing the plurality of content items into one or more categories.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more categories are base on one or more of content providers and content type. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving a payment from the user.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the payment is provided by at least one of short messaging system (SMS), premium price billing systems, credit card billing, and operator-initiated billing. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of content items is provided from a server. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of content items is provided to a mobile device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the mobile device is a cellular telephone. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one of the plurality of content items is one of more of a MIDI file, a WAV file, an MP3 file, a JPEG image, a PNG image, an application native to the client device, and a Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP) application.