Omnitrend

PageMaster/ex 2007 Product Information Sheet

PageMaster/ex 2007 Overview

PageMaster/ex 2007With PageMaster/ex 2007, your entire organization can send text messages, pages, and SMS (cellular) messages using Microsoft Exchange 2007. 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.

Calendar RemindersPageMaster/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 2007 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 2010 can be found here. A version of PageMaster/ex to support Exchange2003 and 2000 can be found here. A version of PageMaster/ex to support Exchange 5.5 and lower can be found here.

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Products and prices are subject to change without notice.

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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.

Properties dialog

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 2007 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 2007 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 2007 does not impose a limit on the length of text messages that may be sent. PageMaster/ex 2007 will automatically split lengthy messages and send them in smaller individual messages that the service provider will permit.

Batch Processing

PageMaster/ex 2007 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.

Text Messaging Connector Properties dialog

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.

Modem Requirements

PageMaster/ex 2007 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 2007 can also process all of the text messaging required by other PageMaster products installed on the network. In this way, PageMaster/ex 2007 can act as a text messaging server.

Specifications

General

Name: PageMaster/ex 2007
Version: 2.0
Released: 2010

System Requirements

Processor: Intel
Operating System: Windows 2003 (x64) or Windows 2008 Server (x64)
Memory: 1Gb 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 2007

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

Please contact us for pricing information regarding this product.

 

Version Changes

PageMaster/ex 2007 Version 1:

This is the initial release of this product.

Support Notes

PageMaster/ex 2007 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.

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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:

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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 2007 on Windows Server 2008?

No, all versions of PageMaster/ex 2007 are fully compatible with Windows Server 2008.

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Why do I need PageMaster/ex 2007? 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 2007 PRO+SMPP Version 2 Evaluation

Windows 2003 Server (x64), Windows 2008 Server (x64)

PMEX2007v2.exe 41,874K

Note:  PageMaster/ex 2007 does not make changes to the Active Directory Schema. You will be able to completely uninstall this evaluation.

Support Files

PageMaster/ex 2007 Version 2 32-Bit Admin Tools
This file contains administrative tools for PageMaster/ex 2007 that may be installed on a 32-bit system (Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 2003 Server).

PageMaster/ex 2007 Documentation (ZIP File)
This zip file contains the documentation for PageMaster/ex 2007. This documentation is incuded in the installation files above. This is being made available separately so that installation instructions can be reviewed prior to installation.