PageMaster/ex 2003 Overview

With PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 10, your entire organization can send text messages, pages, and SMS (cellular) messages using Microsoft Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2000 Server. Exchange users may send or forward messages to “text messaging recipients”. These recipients appear on global or personal address lists just as would any other type of recipient.

Text messages can be sent individually or batched to to multiple devices or pre-defined groups of devices. The gateway also handles a mix of numeric and alphanumeric devices in the same group, sending just the numeric portions of a message to the numeric devices and the full message text to alphanumeric devices.

Text messages are transmitted to a service provider using one of six protocols; TAP, SNPP, WCTP, SMPP, SMTP, and DTMF.

Using the "Inbox Rules" or "Out-of-Office Assistant" in Microsoft Outlook, Exchange users can forward some or all of their Email messages to their pager or cellular phone.

PageMaster/ex can also monitor the appointment reminders for selected users and forward these reminders as text messages to their pager or cellular phone.

PageMaster/ex 2003 is available in three versions; Standard, Pro, and Pro+SMPP. The Pro version adds support for the SNPP, SMTP, and WCTP protocols, 2-Way devices, and an enterprise-grade text messaging engine. The Pro version text messaging engine allows multiple access methods for each service provider. For example, you can specify that a service provider be reached primarily through their SNPP server. If the SNPP server is down, or if your Internet connection is down, PageMaster/ex will automatically fall back to alternate access numbers and protocols.

Support for the SMPP protocol is available as an add-on to the PRO version.

A version of PageMaster/ex to support Exchange version 5.5 and lower can be found here.

Product Features

Exchange users may send or forward messages to "text messaging recipients." These recipients appear on global or personal address lists just as would any other type of recipient.

Messages can be sent individually or batched to to multiple devices or pre-defined groups of devices. The gateway also handles a mix of numeric and alphanumeric devices in the same group, sending just the numeric portions of a message to the numeric devices and the full message text to alphanumeric devices.

Email Forwarding

Exchange users can monitor their Exchange Inbox for new messages. Email messages can selectively be forwarded to their pager or cell phone based on mail filters defined using either the "Inbox Rules" or "Out-of-Office Assistant" in Microsoft Outlook. These filters allow the user to select which of their messages should be sent to their pager or cell phone by defining parameters such as keywords to search for in the From, To, Subject, and Body fields of a message.

Error Handling

PageMaster/ex 2003 will report back to the originator of the message any problems encountered while trying to deliver a text message.

For text messages sent with a receipt requested, PageMaster/ex will send a reply once the message has been successfully sent to the destination device(s).

Device Types

PageMaster/ex 2003 supports both numeric and alphanumeric pagers and cellular phones... even simultaneously. For example, suppose a user were to send the message "Please call the Farmington supervisor at 555-1212." to a group of pagers that included a mix of numeric and alphanumeric pagers. The full text of the message would be delivered to the alphanumeric pagers, and the message "555-1212" would be sent to the numeric pagers.

Message Length

PageMaster/ex 2003 does not impose a limit on the length of text messages that may be sent. PageMaster/ex 2003 will automatically split lengthy messages and send them in smaller individual messages that the service provider will permit.

Batch Processing

PageMaster/ex 2003 is designed to handle the text messaging needs of even the largest enterprise. Text messages will be batch processed when possible. If 20 text message requests are received and 15 of them are for alpha pagers from the same service provider, all 15 message can be sent in a single connection. The remaining 5 would be sent individually.

Administration

All administration of text messaging devices, and configuration of the gateway, is accomplished using the Microsoft Management Console. There is no need to execute and learn and additional software. Installation is quick and simple.

Custom Form

PageMaster/ex 2003 provides a custom form that may be optionally used for sending text messages. Its simple interface and built-in character counter make sending messages a snap.

Modem Requirements

PageMaster/ex 2003 requires at least one Hayes-compatible 2400 baud or faster modem for operation with TAP and DTMF protocols. Multiple modems are supported for load balancing and fault-tolerance.

Other PageMaster Products

PageMaster/ex 2003 can also process all of the text messaging required by other PageMaster products installed on the network. In this way, PageMaster/ex 2003 can act as a text messaging server.

Specifications

General
Name:	PageMaster/ex 2003
Version:	10.0
Released:	2007
System Requirements
Processor:	Intel
Operating System:	Windows 2003 or Windows 2000 Server
Memory:	512mb Minimum
Modem:	At least one Hayes-compatible 2400 baud or faster required for TAP and DTMF protocols. Up to 255 modems supported for load balancing and fault-tolerance
Internet Connectivity:	A WinSock-compatible Internet connection is required for the SNPP, SMPP, SMTP, and WCTP protocols
Mail Server:	Microsoft Exchange 2003 or Exchange 2000 Server
Devices
Types:	Alphanumeric Pagers (1 and 2-Way), Cellular Phones (SMS 1 and 2-Way), Numeric Pagers
Number:	Up to unlimited, based on licensing
Protocols:	Numeric Pagers: DTMF with user adjustable delay, TAP, SNPP, and WCTP. 1-Way Alphanumeric Pagers: TAP with password support, SNPP, WCTP, SMPP, SMTP. 2-Way Alphanumeric Pagers (PRO version only): SNPP, WCTP, SMPP. 1-Way Cellular Phone : TAP, SNPP, WCTP, SMPP, SMTP. 2-Way Cellular Phone (PRO version only): SNPP, WCTP, SMPP.
Message Handling
Batch Sending:	Alphanumeric messages sent to devices sharing a common access method are issued in a single session
Message Length:	Unlimited. Messages are automatically split and delivered to a device in separate messages according to a maximum message length (user definable)
Error Correction:	Full error detection and recovery on all protocols. Includes dial-tone detection and busy signal redial for TAP
Confirmation:	If a message is sent with receipt requested, sender will receive a confirmation Email (Delivery Report) once the message is transmitted successfully
Error Notification:	If an error is encountered sending a message, a return Email message (Non-Delivery Report) will be issued notifying the sender of the problem. Full error details are logged in the server's application event log
Backup Protocols:	Multiple protocols may be specified for each service provider. Automatic fallback to alternate protocols upon failure
Logging:	All text messages sent and failed are logged. Log files are user configurable as to content and organization.
Messaging Methods
Email:	Email messages may be sent to the connector either internally (i.e. by and Outlook client) or externally (i.e. through an SMTP connector)
Desktop Clients:	Text messages sent from client copies of PageMaster
Outlook Reminders:	Outlook appointment reminders can be forwarded as text messages to devices.
COM Interface:	Text messages may be sent using a COM interface.

Pricing

Single Server Licenses
	Number of Text Messaging Devices Supported
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 10	EX10-PR-10 $649	EX10-PR-25 $1,099	EX10-PR-50 $1,499	EX10-PR-100 $2,099	EX10-PR-250 $3,099	EX10-PR-U $4,399
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO Version 10	EX10-PP-10 $1,099	EX10-PP-25 $1,899	EX10-PP-50 $2,499	EX10-PP-100 $3,599	EX10-PP-250 $5,499	EX10-PP-U $7,699
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO + SMPP Version 10	EX10-PL-10 $1,599	EX10-PL-25 $2,499	EX10-PL-50 $3,299	EX10-PL-100 $4,999	EX10-PL-250 $7,699	EX10-PL-U $10,999

Note: Single server licenses include on-line documentation and thirty days of unlimited technical support. "PRO" version includes all features of the standard version, plus SNPP protocol, WCTP protocol, SMTP protocol, 2-Way text messaging support, an Enterprise-Grade text messaging engine, and a service provider connection queue viewer. "PRO + SMPP" version adds support for the SMPP protocol.

Additional Licenses
	Number of Text Messaging Devices Supported
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 10 Additional Server License	EX10-AR-10 $324	EX10-AR-25 $549	EX10-AR-50 $749	EX10-AR-100 $1,049	EX10-AR-250 $1,549	EX10-AR-U $2,199
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO Version 10 Additional Server License	EX10-AP-10 $549	EX10-AP-25 $949	EX10-AP-50 $1,249	EX10-AP-100 $1,799	EX10-AP-250 $2,749	EX10-AP-U $3,849
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO + SMPP Version 10 Additional Server License	EX10-AL-10 $799	EX10-AL-25 $1,249	EX10-AL-50 $1,649	EX10-AL-100 $2,449	EX10-AL-250 $3,849	EX10-AL-U $5,499

 

Support
	Number of Text Messaging Devices Supported
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Extended Support 1 Year	EX10- XPS-10 $199	EX10- XPS-25 $349	EX10- XPS-50 $449	EX10- XPS-100 $599	EX10- XPS-250 $699	EX10- XPS-U $799
Extended Support 1 Year (PRO Version)	EX10- XPP-10 $249	EX10- XPP-25 $449	EX10- XPP-50 $599	EX10- XPP-100 $699	EX10- XPP-250 $899	EX10- XPP-U $1,099
Extended Support 1 Year (PRO + SMPP Version)	EX10- XPL-10 $399	EX10- XPL-25 $599	EX10- XPL-50 $699	EX10- XPL-100 $799	EX10- XPL-250 $1,099	EX10- XPL-U $1,399
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Extended Support 1 Year (Additional Server)	EX10- XAS-10 $99	EX10- XAS-25 $174	EX10- XAS-50 $224	EX10- XAS-100 $299	EX10- XAS-250 $349	EX10- XAS-U $399
Extended Support 1 Year (Additional Server PRO)	EX10- XAP-10 $124	EX10- XAP-25 $224	EX10- XAP-50 $299	EX10- XAP-100 $349	EX10- XAP-250 $449	EX10- XAP-U $549
Extended Support 1 Year (Additional Server PRO + SMPP)	EX10- XAL-10 $199	EX10- XAL-25 $299	EX10- XAL-50 $349	EX10- XAL-100 $399	EX10- XAL-250 $549	EX10- XAL-U $699
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Gold Support 1 Year	GS- EXPS-10 $499	GS- EXPS-25 $849	GS- EXPS-50 $1,099	GS- EXPS-100 $1,499	GS- EXPS-250 $2,099	GS- EXPS-U $2,799
Gold Support 1 Year (PRO Version)	GS- EXPP-10 $749	GS- EXPP-25 $1,299	GS- EXPP-50 $1,999	GS- EXPP-100 $2,399	GS- EXPP-250 $3,399	GS- EXPP-U $3,999
Gold Support 1 Year (PRO + SMPP Version)	GS- EXPL-10 $1,099	GS- EXPL-25 $1,699	GS- EXPL-50 $2,199	GS- EXPL-100 $2,999	GS- EXPL-250 $4,599	GS- EXPL-U $6,299
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Gold Support 1 Year (Additional Server)	GS- EXAS-10 $249	GS- EXAS-25 $419	GS- EXAS-50 $559	GS- EXAS-100 $769	GS- EXAS-250 $1,049	GS- EXAS-U $1,399
Gold Support 1 Year (Additional Server PRO)	GS- EXAP-10 $369	GS- EXAP-25 $649	GS- EXAP-50 $849	GS- EXAP-100 $1,149	GS- EXAP-250 $1,699	GS- EXAP-U $1,999
Gold Support 1 Year (Additional Server PRO + SMPP)	GS- EXAL-10 $559	GS- EXAL-25 $849	GS- EXAL-50 $1,099	GS- EXAL-100 $1,499	GS- EXAL-250 $2,299	GS- EXAL-U $3,199

Note: The extended support plan provides for one year of unlimited technical support.

Product Level Upgrades
	Number of Text Messaging Devices Supported
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
PageMaster/ex 2003 Standard to PRO Upgrade	EX10- UPSP-10 $499	EX10- UPSP-25 $849	EX10- UPSP-50 $1,049	EX10- UPSP-100 $1,549	EX10- UPSP-250 $2,449	EX10- UPSP-U $3,349
PageMaster/ex 2003 Standard to PRO+SMPP Upgrade	EX10- UPSL-10 $999	EX10- UPSL-25 $1,449	EX10- UPSL-50 $1,849	EX10- UPSL-100 $2,949	EX10- UPSL-250 $4,649	EX10- UPSL-U $6,649
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO to PRO+SMPP Upgrade	EX10- UPL-10 $549	EX10- UPL-25 $649	EX10- UPL-50 $849	EX10- UPL-100 $1,449	EX10- UPL-250 $2,249	EX10- UPL-U $3,349
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
PageMaster/ex 2003 Standard to PRO Upgrade (Additional Server License)	EX10- UASP-10 $279	EX10- UASP-25 $449	EX10- UASP-50 $549	EX10- UASP-100 $799	EX10- UASP-250 $1,249	EX10- UASP-U $1,699
PageMaster/ex 2003 Standard to PRO+SMPP Upgrade (Additional Server License)	EX10- UASL-10 $529	EX10- UASL-25 $749	EX10- UASL-50 $949	EX10- UASL-100 $1,499	EX10- UASL-250 $2,349	EX10- UASL-U $3,349
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO to PRO+SMPP Upgrade (Additional Server License)	EX10- UAPL-10 $299	EX10- UAPL-25 $349	EX10- UAPL-50 $449	EX10- UAPL-100 $749	EX10- UAPL-250 $1,149	EX10- UAPL-U $1,699

Note: Product upgrades provide 30 days of unlimited technical support.

Version Upgrades
	Number of Text Messaging Devices Supported
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V9 to V10	EX10- US9S-10 $199	EX10- US9S-25 $329	EX10- US9S-50 $449	EX10- US9S-100 $629	EX10- US9S-250 $929	EX10- US9S-U $1,319
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V9 to V10 PRO	EX10- UP9S-10 $699	EX10- UP9S-25 $1,199	EX10- UP9S-50 $1,499	EX10- UP9S-100 $2,199	EX10- UP9S-250 $3,399	EX10- UP9S-U $4,699
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V9 to V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL9S-10 $1,199	EX10- UL9S-25 $1,799	EX10- UL9S-50 $2,299	EX10- UL9S-100 $3,599	EX10- UL9S-250 $5,599	EX10- UL9S-U $7,999
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V9 PRO to V10 PRO	EX10- UP9P-10 $329	EX10- UP9P-25 $599	EX10- UP9P-50 $749	EX10- UP9P-100 $1,099	EX10- UP9P-250 $1,999	EX10- UP9P-U $2,699
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V9 PRO to V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL9P-10 $899	EX10- UL9P-25 $1,199	EX10- UL9P-50 $1,599	EX10- UL9P-100 $2,499	EX10- UL9P-250 $3,899	EX10- UL9P-U $5,699
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V9 PRO+SMPP to V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL9L-10 $499	EX10- UL9L-25 $749	EX10- UL9L-50 $999	EX10- UL9L-100 $1,499	EX10- UL9L-250 $2,299	EX10- UL9L-U $3,299
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V8 or Earlier to V10	EX10- US8S-10 $329	EX10- US8S-25 $549	EX10- US8S-50 $749	EX10- US8S-100 $1,049	EX10- US8S-250 $1,549	EX10- US8S-U $2,199
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V8 or Earlier to V10 PRO	EX10- UP8S-10 $819	EX10- UP8S-25 $1,399	EX10- UP8S-50 $1,799	EX10- UP8S-100 $2,599	EX10- UP8S-250 $3,999	EX10- UP8S-U $5,599
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V8 or Earlier to V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL8S-10 $1,299	EX10- UL8S-25 $1,999	EX10- UL8S-50 $2,599	EX10- UL8S-100 $3,999	EX10- UL8S-250 $6,199	EX10- UL8S-U $8,899
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V8 or Earlier PRO to V10 PRO	EX10- UP8P-10 $549	EX10- UP8P-25 $949	EX10- UP8P-50 $1,249	EX10- UP8P-100 $1,799	EX10- UP8P-250 $2,749	EX10- UP8P-U $3,849
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V8 or Earlier PRO to V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL8P-10 $1,099	EX10- UL8P-25 $1,599	EX10- UL8P-50 $2,099	EX10- UL8P-100 $3,249	EX10- UL8P-250 $4,999	EX10- UL8P-U $7,199
Upgrade from PageMaster/ex 2003 V8 or Earlier PRO+SMPP to V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL8L-10 $799	EX10- UL8L-25 $1,249	EX10- UL8L-50 $1,649	EX10- UL8L-100 $2,499	EX10- UL8L-250 $3,849	EX10- UL8L-U $5,499
	10	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade from 4.x to PageMaster/ex 2003 V10	EX10- US46S-10 $459	EX10- US46S-25 $769	EX10- US46S-50 $1,049	EX10- US46S-100 $1,469	EX10- US46S-250 $2,169	EX10- US46S-U $3,079
Upgrade from 4.x to PageMaster/ex 2003 V10 PRO	EX10- UP46S-10 $899	EX10- UP46S-25 $1,569	EX10- UP46S-50 $2,049	EX10- UP46S-100 $2,999	EX10- UP46S-250 $4,599	EX10- UP46S-U $6,399
Upgrade from 4.x to PageMaster/ex 2003 V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL46S-10 $1,399	EX10- UL46S-25 $2,199	EX10- UL46S-50 $2,849	EX10- UL46S-100 $4,399	EX10- UL46S-250 $6,799	EX10- UL46S-U $9,699
Upgrade from 4.x PRO to PageMaster/ex 2003 V10 PRO	EX10- UP46P-10 $799	EX10- UP46P-25 $1,299	EX10- UP46P-50 $1,749	EX10- UP46P-100 $2,499	EX10- UP46P-250 $3,849	EX10- UP46P-U $5,399
Upgrade from 4.x PRO to PageMaster/ex 2003 V10 PRO+SMPP	EX10- UL46P-10 $1,299	EX10- UL46P-25 $1,999	EX10- UL46P-50 $2,549	EX10- UL46P-100 $3,999	EX10- UL46P-250 $5,999	EX10- UL46P-U $8,699

Note: Version upgrades provide 30 days of unlimited technical support.

Device License Upgrades
	Number of Text Messaging Devices Supported
	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade of 10 Device License To:	EX10- UPS10-25 $499	EX10- UPS10-50 $899	EX10- UPS10-100 $1,499	EX10- UPS10-250 $2,499	EX10- UPS10-U $3,799
Upgrade of 25 Device License To:		EX10- UPS25-50 $449	EX10- UPS25-100 $1,049	EX10- UPS25-250 $2,049	EX10- UPS25-U $3,349
Upgrade of 50 Device License To:			EX10- UPS50-100 $649	EX10- UPS50-250 $1,649	EX10- UPS50-U $2,949
Upgrade of 100 Device License To:				EX10- UPS100-250 $1,049	EX10- UPS100-U $2,349
Upgrade of 250 Device License To:					EX10- UPS250-U $1,349
	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade of PRO 10 Device License To:	EX10- UPP10-25 $849	EX10- UPP10-50 $1,449	EX10- UPP10-100 $2,549	EX10- UPP10-250 $4,449	EX10- UPP10-U $6,649
Upgrade of PRO 25 Device License To:		EX10- UPP25-50 $649	EX10- UPP25-100 $1,749	EX10- UPP25-250 $3,649	EX10- UPP25-U $5,849
Upgrade of PRO 50 Device License To:			EX10- UPP50-100 $1,149	EX10- UPP50-250 $3,049	EX10- UPP50-U $5,249
Upgrade of PRO 100 Device License To:				EX10- UPP100-250 $1,949	EX10- UPP100-U $4,149
Upgrade of PRO 250 Device License To:					EX10- UPP250-U $2,249
	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 10 Device License To:	EX10- UPL10-25 $949	EX10- UPL10-50 $1,749	EX10- UPL10-100 $3,449	EX10- UPL10-250 $6,149	EX10- UPL10-U $9,449
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 25 Device License To:		EX10- UPL25-50 $849	EX10- UPL25-100 $2,549	EX10- UPL25-250 $5,249	EX10- UPL25-U $8,549
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 50 Device License To:			EX10- UPL50-100 $1,749	EX10- UPL50-250 $4,449	EX10- UPL50-U $7,749
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 100 Device License To:				EX10- UPL100-250 $2,749	EX10- UPL100-U $6,049
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 250 Device License To:					EX10- UPL250-U $3,349
	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade of 10 Device Additional Server License To:	EX10- UAS10-25 $274	EX10- UAS10-50 $474	EX10- UAS10-100 $774	EX10- UAS10-250 $1,274	EX10- UAS10-U $1,924
Upgrade of 25 Device Additional Server License To:		EX10- UAS25-50 $249	EX10- UAS25-100 $549	EX10- UAS25-250 $1,049	EX10- UAAPR25-U $1,699
Upgrade of 50 Device Additional Server License To:			EX10- UAS50-100 $349	EX10- UAS50-250 $849	EX10- UAS50-U $1,499
Upgrade of 100 Device Additional Server License To:				EX10- UAS100-250 $549	EX10- UAS100-U $1,199
Upgrade of 250 Device Additional Server License To:					EX10- UAS250-U $699
	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade of PRO 10 Device Additional Server License To:	EX10- UAP10-25 $449	EX10- UAP10-50 $749	EX10- UAP10-100 $1,299	EX10- UAP10-250 $2,249	EX10- UAP10-U $3,349
Upgrade of PRO 25 Device Additional Server License To:		EX10- UAP25-50 $349	EX10- UAP25-100 $899	EX10- UAP25-250 $1,849	EX10- UAP25-U $2,949
Upgrade of PRO 50 Device Additional Server License To:			EX10- UAP50-100 $599	EX10- UAP50-250 $1,549	EX10- UAP50-U $2,649
Upgrade of PRO 100 Device Additional Server License To:				EX10- UAP100-250 $999	EX10- UAP100-U $2,099
Upgrade of PRO 250 Device Additional Server License To:					EX10- UAP250-U $1,149
	25	50	100	250	Unlimited
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 10 Device Additional Server License To:	EX10- UAL10-25 $499	EX10- UAL10-50 $899	EX10- UAL10-100 $1,749	EX10- UAL10-250 $3,099	EX10- UAL10-U $4,749
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 25 Device Additional Server License To:		EX10- UAL25-50 $449	EX10- UAL25-100 $1,299	EX10- UAL25-250 $2,649	EX10- UAL25-U $4,299
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 50 Device Additional Server License To:			EX10- UAL50-100 $899	EX10- UAL50-250 $2,249	EX10- UAL50-U $3,899
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 100 Device Additional Server License To:				EX10- UAL100-250 $1,399	EX10- UAL100-U $3,049
Upgrade of PRO+SMPP 250 Device Additional Server License To:					EX10- UAL250-U $1,699

 

Version Changes

PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 10:

High-availability is the focus of the v10 release. With v10, it is possible to provide text messaging capability should Exchange, AD (Active Directory), or even the entire network, go down.

This is accomplished by establishing a chain of available text message processors; from PageMaster/ex connectors, to PageMaster/sv (a PageMaster server that is non-Exchange integrated), to a client-based processor. In such a scenario, PageMaster clients are deployed and provide a database of text message devices pulled directly from AD (Active Directory). Such clients normally send text messages through a PageMaster/ex server. Should a PageMaster/ex server go down, the client can be configured to automatically fall back to alternate PageMaster/ex servers. Should AD become unavailable, the client caches the device information to provide uninterrupted messaging.

Now, suppose that Exchange itself should go down. The PageMaster client can automatically fall back to one or more PageMaster/sv servers.

Finally should the PageMaster/sv server(s) be unavailable, or should the network itself go down, the PageMaster client can utilize its own internal text messaging engine to send messages.

At each point of processing (whether it be PageMaster/ex, PageMaster/sv, or the PageMaster client), multiple protocols can be specified for each service provider with automatic fallback should the primary protocol fail.

With this architecture, v10 provides an unprecedented level of fault-tolerance, and thus, reliability for even the most critical messages.

The new feature set for v10 includes:

• All New PageMaster Client - PageMaster/ex 2003 now includes a client application that provides additional benefits over and above using a standard email client:

  The PageMaster client can be employed on machines that do not have an email client (i.e. Outlook) installed and connected to Exchange Server. PageMaster routes its messages to PageMaster/ex through a DCOM interface, external to mail handling, so a mail client is unnecessary. The device list is read directly from Active Directory, so no separate device database need be maintained for PageMaster clients.

  The PageMaster client also provides backup paging capability in the event of an Exchange or network outage. Automatic fallback from a primary PageMaster/ex connection will reroute messaging first to any stand-alone (non-Exchange Integrated) PageMaster/sv servers, then ultimately to the client's own internal text messaging engine.

  The PageMaster client provides additional messaging options not available when messaging through a mail clients. This includes pre-defined (or "canned") messages that can be sent quickly using a hotkey combination, scheduled and automatically recurring messages, and many formatting options for message content.

  The PageMaster/ex 2003 primary server license includes 5 PageMaster client licenses. Further details on the PageMaster client can be found by clicking here.
  

• Stand-Alone Server Integration - PageMaster/ex 2003 will now operate hand-in-hand with PageMaster/sv servers (non-Exchange integrated), providing a fallback path should the PageMaster/ex 2003 server(s) or Exchange itself go down.
  
  
• GC (Global Catalog) Switching - Previous releases of PageMaster/ex 2003 relied on a connection to a specific GC. If that GC should become unavaialble, the PageMaster/ex 2003 service would cease processing messages as it's MAPI session would no longer function. PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports the ability to switch between GCs should the GC to which it is connected go down.
  
  
• SMTP Protocol Upgrades

  Integrated SMTP Sender - PageMaster/ex 2003 now includes its own SMTP sender. Previous versions would transmit SMTP text messages back into Exchange, and exchange would handle the SMTP connection. The deficiency in this process is that PageMaster/ex 2003 has no way of detecting errors in communication with the SMTP server. By maintaining control of text messages througout the SMTP protocol, PageMaster/ex 2003 can detect, retry on, and report any errors in SMTP communication.

  Support for alpha characters in the SMTP Device ID field - PageMaster/ex 2003 now allows more flexibility in how SMTP address templates can be specified for each service provider. This allows PageMaster/ex 2003 to be used for providers that use formats other than pin@domain.com.

PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 9 adds the following new features:

• Calendar Reminder Messaging - PageMaster/ex 2003 now includes the ability to forward Outlook calendar reminders to devices. Using WEBdav, the PageMaster/ex service will actively monitor calendars reminders for selected users. Reminders will then be forwarded automatically to the user's text message device (i.e. pager, cellular phone, Blackberry). On a per-user basis, the reminder messaging may be configured to either always send, or only send when the user's out-of-office flag is set.
  
  Configuration of Reminder Messaging is quick and simple. It is necessary only to specify an account that the PageMaster/ex service can use to access the calendar folders for the selected users. This account need only have "Receive As" and "Send As" rights on the mailbox store(s) associated with the users.
  
  The content and format of the reminder messages is completely configurable. Elements of the reminders that can be sent as text messages include:
• Start Time
• End Time
• Subject
• Location
• Description
• Export to PageMaster Client - PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports conversion of Text Messaging Devices from AD (Active Directory) to a PageMaster client device file. This allows a stand-alone PageMaster client to be used for an emergency backup paging console should the network or Exchange experience a downtime.

• Support for Customized Message Format per Device - PageMaster/ex 2003 now allows the message template format to be customized down to the device level. This means that for each device, you can customize which fields of the message (From, Subject, Message Body) are delivered to the device.

TAP Protocol Upgrades

• Support for Protocol Specific Message Length Settings. PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports specification of maximum message length for each protocol definition, instead of a single setting for all protocols.
• Enhanced Security - The TAP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 has been rewritten in accordance with Microsoft's security initiative. This insures that TAP engine code does not use any legacy APIs or deprecated function calls known to be security concerns.

SNPP Protocol Upgrades

• Support for SNPP UserID and Password parameters - Many providers are now requiring usage credentials when accessing their SNPP server. Support for these parameters allows PageMaster/ex 2003 to provide these credentials when sending messages.
• Support for SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connections - Many SNPP providers are now supporting the transmission of text messages encrypted using SSL. This new feature allows PageMaster/ex 2003 to negotiate an SSL connection in order to transmit the message data in this encrypted format.
• Support for Protocol Specific Message Length Settings - PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports specification of maximum message length for each protocol definition, instead of a single setting for all protocols.
• Support for the SNPP Level 3 protocol specification - Changes to the SNPP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 bring it into compliance with SNPP servers supporting Level 3 functionality.
• Enhanced Security - The SNPP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 has been rewritten in accordance with Microsoft's security initiative. This insures that SNPP engine code does not use any legacy APIs or deprecated function calls known to be security concerns.
• Support for Limiting Number of Messages Sent per Connection - In order to reduce spam, many providers are now limiting the number of text messages that can be sent in each connection to their SNPP server. PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports a property that limits the number of messages it will send in each connection session. PageMaster/ex will automatically reconnect as necessary in order to transmit all messages queued.

WCTP Protocol Upgrades

• Support for WCTP UserID (senderID) and Password (securityCode) parameters - Many providers are now requiring usage credentials when accessing their WCTP server. Support for these parameters allows PageMaster/ex 2003 to provide these credentials when sending messages.
• Support for SSL (Secure Socket Layer) connections - Many WCTP providers are now supporting the transmission of text messages encrypted using SSL. This new feature allows PageMaster/ex 2003 to negotiate an SSL connection in order to transmit the message data in this encrypted format.
• Support for Protocol Specific Message Length Settings - PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports specification of maximum message length for each protocol definition, instead of a single setting for all protocols.
• Support for the WCTP 1.3 protocol specification - Changes to the WCTP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 bring it into compliance with the 1.3 specification.
• Enhanced Security - The WCTP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 has been rewritten in accordance with Microsoft's security initiative. This insures that WCTP engine code does not use any legacy APIs or deprecated function calls known to be security concerns.
• Improved Proxy Support - The WCTP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 has been change from use of the WinInet API to the more advanced and robust WinHttp API. This means improvements in throughput, as well as more flexibility in configuring PageMaster/ex 2003 in proxy serviced environments.

SMTP Protocol Upgrades

• Added flexibility in SMTP address specifications - PageMaster/ex 2003 now allows more flexibility in how SMTP address templates can be specified for each service provider. This allows PageMaster/ex 2003 to be used for providers that use formats other than pin@domain.com.
• Support for Protocol Specific Message Length Settings - PageMaster/ex 2003 now supports specification of maximum message length for each protocol definition, instead of a single setting for all protocols.
• Enhanced Security - The SMTP engine in PageMaster/ex 2003 has been rewritten in accordance with Microsoft's security initiative. This insures that SMTP engine code does not use any legacy APIs or deprecated function calls known to be security concerns.

PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 8 adds the following new features:

• Exchange 2003 Support - This all-new release has been rewritten to support both Exchange 2003 and Exchange 2000 platforms. All permutations of environments are supported, including native and mixed mode, Windows 2003 and Windows 2000 AD, and connector installation on Exchange 2000 and Exchange 2003 servers. Previous version do not run properly on Exchange 2003 and are not supported.
• Command Line Import/Export - PageMaster/ex 2003 now includes a command line utility for importing and exporting text messaging devices to and from active directory.

The following features were added in PageMaster/ex 2000 Version 7:

• SMPP Support - (PRO+SMPP Version Only) PageMaster/ex 2000 now supports SMPP (Short Message Peer to Peer Protocol) for sending SMS text messages.
• SMTP Support - (PRO Version Only) PageMaster/ex 2000 now supports SMTP as a "last resort" fallback protocol for sending text messages to email addresses should all available text messaging protocols fail.
• COM Interface - Now includes a COM (component object model) interface for sending text messages from another application. Includes a type library file for easy integration into COM compliant applications.
• 2-Way Internet Support - (PRO Version Only) PageMaster/ex 2000 now supports the ability for 2-way devices to send replies for text messages that originate from internet mail routed through Exchange Server.
• Enhanced Direct Connect Capability - Now supports failover from one PageMaster/ex server to another for text messages sent via direct connections to text messaging terminals.
• Message Progress Logging - Individual log files can be generated for each text message request received by the connector. This file will be appended with data detailing the progress and status of the message as it is transmitted to the service provider.
• Configurable NDR Messages - Text of NDR (Non-delivery reports) for failed messages may now be customized.
• Automatic Export of Device Lists - All text messaging devices that have been configured within AD may now be automatically exported and backed-up daily at a designated time.
• Enhanced Monitoring of Service Status - The PageMaster/ex service will now generate a "heartbeat" event at a regular interval. The service can be confirmed as operational by monitoring for the presence of this event.

The following features were added in PageMaster/ex 2000 Version 6:

• WCTP Support - (PRO Version Only) PageMaster/ex 2000 now supports WCTP (Wireless Communication Transfer Protocol) for sending text messages via an Internet connection.
• Improved Fault-Tolerance - Additional text messaging engine improvements increase the engine's ability to detect send failures and resubmit failed messages.
• User Configurable Message Format - The format of the text messages are now entirely user configurable.
• Queue Viewer (PRO Version Only) - A viewer is now included for the connection queue, the queue of pending and active connections to messaging service providers and terminals.
• Addressing Improvements - Additional options permit more granular adjustment of routing of message requests to multiple PageMaster/ex 2000 connectors based on parameters in a device's email address.
• Unique PINs for Each Protocol - PageMaster/ex 2000 now supports the ability to use different PIN numbers for the same device depending on the protocol used.

Support Notes

PageMaster/ex 2003 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can PageMaster/ex run on a machine other than an Exchange Server?
2. Will PageMaster/ex cause a performance hit?
3. If I am using the TAP or DTMF protocols, do the modems have to be connected to the Exchange Server?
4. What kind of messaging volume can PageMaster/ex handle?
5. Does any software need to be installed on the client end?
6. Do I have to enter separate recipients for each pager even though the user has an Exchange mailbox?
7. What if I want to increase the number of devices in my license?
8. Are there any issues running PageMaster/ex on Windows Server 2003?
9. Why do I need PageMaster/ex? My service providers already supplies an  SMTP email address for each device.

Can PageMaster/ex run on a machine other than an Exchange Server?

No. PageMaster/ex integrates as a component of Exchange, so it must be installed on an Exchange Server.

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Will PageMaster/ex cause a performance hit?

No, the connector will not cause any noticeable decrease in performance of the Exchange Server. Only one component of PageMaster/ex is actually executed on the server... that is the paging service. The paging service spends most of its time idle, waiting for page requests or communication on a modem port.

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If I am using the TAP or DTMF protocols, do the modems have to be connected to the Exchange Server?

Not necessarily, but it is preferred. There is no security risk in installing paging modems on the Exchange Server, as these modems are not configured for RAS, and are not set for auto answer.

If desired, however, modems can be remotely located and a redirector installed on the Exchange Server to redirect the communications to the remote modems. There are many third-party packages to accomplish this.

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What kind of messaging volume can PageMaster/ex handle?

This question is difficult to answer, as there are several variables that come into play; The number of modems used, the number of PageMaster/ex connectors used, the number of different service providers, the baud rates at which each service provider operates, and so on.

As a general rule, PageMaster/ex was designed to be scalable, and paging volumes of up to 30,000 pages per day are easily obtainable.

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Does any software need to be installed on the client end?

No. Any Exchange mail client (i.e. Outlook) can be used to send text messages. The device will simply show up on the GAL (global address list) just as do any other Exchange mailbox. Users can then pick one or more devices as recipients and send the text message just as they would any other Email.

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Do I have to enter separate recipients for each device even though the user has an Exchange mailbox?

Yes. If the device information were to be attached to the users Exchange mailbox, Exchange would have no way of knowing what messages were intended for the device (pager or cell phone) and what messages were intended for the users normal mailbox.

In addition, there are many advantages to keeping the devices as separate recipients. As separate recipients, you can:

• Allow users to set up mail forwarding rules using the Out of Office Assistant or Rules Wizard. Since the devices are separate entries, they may be selected as destinations for a forwarding rule.
• Configure a separate SMTP address for each device, allowing the device to be reached directly from the Internet.
• Set up delivery restrictions on each device, allowing messages to be sent only from selected individuals
• Set up distribution lists of devices, allowing a text message to be sent to a group of devices at once.

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What if I want to increase the number of devices in my license?

You can upgrade your license at any time by purchasing a license upgrade from Omnitrend. The cost of a license upgrade is posted on the pricing table.

To order a license upgrade, contact Omnitrend Sales.

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Are there any issues running PageMaster/ex on Windows Server 2003?

No, all versions of PageMaster/ex are fully compatible with Windows Server 2003.

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Why do I need PageMaster/ex? My service providers already supplies an  SMTP email address for each device.

SMTP is an email protocol. Text messaging protocols were created to allow direct, 2-way access to the text messaging terminals at the service provider.

There are several disadvantages to using SMTP for text messaging:

Speed
SMTP mail can often be timely, but inherent delays in routing and mail server congestion can often cause the SMTP message containing the text message to be delayed getting to the service provider. Text messaging protocols provide a direct connection to the equipment that issues the messages to the transmission equipment.

Reliability
SMTP mail is not 100% guaranteed delivery. If the message is delayed, or fails to get to the service provider, you will never know. Text messaging protocols provide a 2-way communication between PageMaster/ex and the service provider to insure the message was received. In addition, most service providers support multiple protocols giving you a backup path should the primary fail. This failover is automatic with PageMaster/ex, insuring you of the highest reliability for your text messaging.

Security
SMTP mail is not secure, so the content of your text messages are subject to interception by unwanted parties. Internet-based text messaging protocols are much less subject to intercept as they are direct TCP/IP connections to the service provider... messages are not bounced from server to server. In addition, modem based protocols, leased line connections, and dedicated frame relay connections can be used to insure complete privacy.

Content Control
Sending text messages via SMTP does not allow for control over the content of the text message. PageMaster/ex allows you to define what and how much of the message is delivered to the device.

Throughput
For larger enterprise applications, SMTP simply is not sufficient to handle a large volume of text messaging. PageMaster/ex is quite scalable. Volumes of 30,000+ text messages per day are easily achievable using text messaging protocols.

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Downloads

Current Evaluation Version	Platform	Filename	Size
PageMaster/ex 2003 PRO+SMPP Version 10 Evaluation	Windows 2000, Windows 2003 (Intel)	PMEX10.exe	6,180K

Note:  PageMaster/ex 2003 does not make changes to the Active Directory Schema. You will be able to completely uninstall this evaluation.

Support Files

PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 9(includes SP1)
This file is for download by owners of PageMaster/ex 2000 Version 9, and requires a valid version 9 serial number. It is the latest build of that version. Note that this is not the latest version of PageMaster/ex 2003.

PageMaster/ex 2003 Version 8(includes SP3)
This file is for download by owners of PageMaster/ex 2000 Version 8, and requires a valid version 8 serial number. It is the latest build of that version. Note that this is not the latest version of PageMaster/ex 2003.

 

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All prices are in U.S. Dollars and are effective January 1, 2008.
Products and prices are subject to change without notice.

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