A Powerful, Feature-Rich Architecture

The SpreadHub Enterprise environment includes both server-side and client-side applications.  The server-side application serves as the central point of management for all end user clients, and can run on Microsoft Windows platform. 

Your administrators can use the intuitive Web-based control panel to gain full access to all management and administration functions – without the need for in-depth technical expertise.  This panel is simple and user-friendly, designed to give non-technical staff the ability to easily:

• Create, edit, and store drafts and new alerts
• Design HTML templates with headers, footers, logos, signatures, and other elements
• Select distribution options, such as usual or scheduled delivery
• Manage all user functions, such as adding and removing users, creating user groups, and monitoring user on-line status
• Define all RSS channels, selecting a single channel for all users, or allowing users to personalize their own channels
• View comprehensive alert statistics, such as open rates and subscribers
• Manage access to the control panel by modifying passwords or granting privileges to specific end users

The SpreadHub Enterprise server consists of the following virtual components:

• Core.  This is the foundation of the SpreadHub Enterprise system, serving as the interface to other components, and providing full management of all alerts and users.
• Central database.  This secure, high-performance Microsoft SQL database is where all vital system information, including messages, user privileges, and actions, is stored.  Full restore capabilities enable quick migration to a back-up server to eliminate system downtime in the event of a hardware failure.  And advanced security features keep all alert data fully protected at all times. 
• Message pushing.  This component manages all messages and their intended recipients while they are in the delivery queue.  Once messages have been sent, they are immediately removed from the queue.
• AD synch. Users and user groups are continuously synchronized with Active Directory structures, with full support for multiple domains.
• Tracking.  All delivery information, including who received and read each alert, can be monitored.  SpreadHub uses a non-invasive method to determine which messages were read, and which were ignored.   
• Survey. Design and distribute surveys and polls to end users, then gather, view, and store their answers. 
• SMS.  This component sends messages to mobile devices, such as cell phones, handheld PCs and Blackberry, by communicating directly with the SMS gateway. 
• Scheduler.  Define dates and times for notification distribution.  Alerts are automatically sent to the message pusher when they are ready for distribution, and deleted when they have expired or not been received. 
• Feed aggregator.  Retrieves RSS feeds, converts them to alert formats, and sends them to the appropriate recipients (individual users, user groups, or as a broadcast to the entire user base). 

The stand-alone client-side application was developed using Dynamic XML technologies, and integrates seamlessly into any Windows-based environment.  It also supports terminal services, as well as multiple user accounts on a single workstation.  As new alerts are distributed, the server returns an XML message to the Desktop Client, which triggers the alert window to appear on the user’s screen. 

The application works with Active Directory.  The installation process is completely silent, requiring absolutely no action from the end user.  Application will automatically “ping” the server when the user is online and available to receive alerts. 

SpreadHub Desktop Client can be installed directly by the administrator with any commonly-used distribution system, such as Microsoft SMS. 

Next: Modular Structure