MetaCaster Alert Service
This service enables a user to simply press a
button to simultaneously, and immediately notify a group of people of
situations when immediate assistance is required. For example, receptionists
and other front-line staff often have concerns about potential intruders or
extremely irate visitors, and need to know they can instantly notify management
or security.
The service is as follows:
1) Configuration:
The
service is configured using a standard web browser, by visiting a secure web site,
where the following is entered:
a) Telephone numbers (cellular or land-line) for
people to be contacted.
■ Optionally, audio can also be entered or specified
(such as “Immediate assistance required at reception”).
b) Cell-phone SMS, and MSN/Yahoo/AOL/ICQ Instant
Message contacts.
■ Text messages to be sent are also entered.
2) Operation:
The
user has a small box with a button (which can be mounted in a discreet
location). The box has a cable which is plugged into the USB port of a PC. The
PC needs to have access to the Internet.
When
the user requires immediate assistance, the user presses their button.
Immediately:
a) All phone numbers (for both all the people, and
both their office and cell phones, for example) are dialled simultaneously,
with the Caller ID name indicating the urgency. The audio message is output
when the phone is answered.
b) Text Instant Messages or e-mails are sent to all contacts.
3) Options:
a) Instead of a button, any PC keyboard key
combination (such as Shift-F12) can trigger the service, so no additional
hardware is required.
b) A small microphone enables nearby audio to be
sent to the cell phone users. A copy of the audio is archived for future
reference.
c) The button can be directly connected to the
organization’s network, without requiring a PC.
4) Testing:
Several
automatically – or manually-initiated methods of testing and verifying
operation of the service are available.
5) Other applications:
The
service can be used for any notification purpose, such as stock market
developments or information for managers during a fire alarm.
Every situation is
different. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Mitchell Shnier
416 222-1430
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