A method is described for sending compact messages based on predefined message definitions. The message definitions comprise a number of predefined fields each having a tag for one or more data values. The method comprises the following steps. Communication is established between a service and a device. A compact message including data values is prepared by: removing the tags associated with the data values; maintaining an order of the data values based on a predetermined sequence of the fields defined by the message definitions; and placing the data values in respective delimiters for differentiating between adjacent ones of the data values. The compact message is sent over the network for subsequent interpretation using a shared predetermined knowledge of the order of the fields from the message definition. A method for receiving compact messages, a system for implementing the methods, and a computer readable medium for storing instructions to carry out the methods are also described.