Systems and methods for exchanging a short message service (SMS) message between networks operating in accordance with different standards. An intermediary system operates between a first network operating in accordance with a first standard and a second network operating in accordance with a second standard. A routing information request for an SMS message is received, at the intermediary, from the first network and the intermediary sends, in response to the routing information request, an acknowledgement message to the first network. The SMS message is thereafter received at the intermediary and an acknowledgement of receipt of the SMS message is generated in the intermediary and then sent to the first network. The SMS message is then sent from the intermediary to the second network. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediary is an entity distinct from the first and second networks, but operates as a virtual MSC from the perspective of the first and second networks.