Desktop alert
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A desktop alert application enables companies to send alerts or content directly to a user's computer desktop without the need for an e-mail client or web browser. An alert application usually resides in the computer's icon tray, located in the taskbar. Typically the alert client is either an opt-in software product downloaded from the internet and installed by the end-user, or an Enterprise-Class software product installed by administrators to all workstations behind a firewall on a local area network. Commercial uses for desktop alerts include marketing and stock market alerts. As a workplace tool desktop alerts can assure management or a command control center that targeted recipients have received the message without requiring action by the end-user such as checking e-mail. Desktop alerts have become popular[citation needed] among military, corporate and academic organizations. Institutions using desktop alert technology include Sacred Heart Schools of Chicago; The United States Academy at West Point; the United States Air Force Academy; Peterson Air Force Base; The United States Army Garrison at Heidelberg, Germany, Buckley Air Force Base; and the SAP Corporation.[citation needed]
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[edit] Conceptual
A desktop alert is an electronic message sent to computers over a local network or over the internet. Techniques used to deliver the message vary, but the end result is usually the appearance of a message window on the end user's desktop. Each recipient's computer must have a desktop alert client application installed and running during the entire user session. Subscription can be accomplished by LDAP/Active Directory integration or by end-user opt-in subscriptions.
Desktop alerts offer several advantages over email, telephone, and cellphone communication. Unlike email, desktop alert systems typically record data on the delivery and opening of alerts, then report this back to the sender. Some also record actions taken by end-users on receipt and engagement of the alert itself. This eliminates logistical problems like e-mail logjams, and lets managers know when users fail to read messages. Compared to telephony, desktop alerts are very cheap. They can be sent instantly to hundreds of thousands of users, usually for a fraction of a penny per user. These benefits have promoted use of desktop alerts in companies that need reliable methods of one to one and one to many communication, including in emergency management.
[edit] Technical
Desktop alert messages are composed, assigned to specific users and groups, and published using a web-based administration interface or a proprietary application. Two main methods are used to deliver the message:
- Push/Broadcast Technology: End-users' computers are configured to "listen" to a list of TCP and UDP port numbers. The principal benefit of broadcast is that the alert delivery can be accomplished at near real-time speed. Drawbacks include vulnerability to nefarious script injections and other hacking methods: several instant messaging products and services using broadcast technology have been compromised in this way[citation needed]. Broadcast technology also requires considerable processing power, which can be a costly data center logistic.
- Polling: Rather than having the alert "pushed" as in broadcast technology, this method configures computers to request alerts from the alert server at predefined intervals (60 seconds, 90 seconds, 5 minutes, etc.). While slower in delivery than broadcast publication, polling is a safe, reliable and highly secure data retrieval method that requires fewer network resources. Polling also enables the use of single sign-on technology, whereby alerts are assigned to users rather than machines: users may log on to any machine to receive an alert.
[edit] Markets
Desktop alerts have two major audiences. Firstly, businesses use desktop alerts as a mass notification system for delivering critical content to computer workstations. This might include emergency or health and safety instructions, e.g. on fire alarm tests or evacuation notices, or company communications, like management messages, product recall information, or share price updates.
The second audience is the consumer market. Users can subscribe to alerts from their favorite sports team, TV show, news channel or brand. Many such brands use desktop alerts to release rich multimedia content, including news on player signings, tour dates and tickets, and new video content.
