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tbeam

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NET SEND alternative ?

In an all NT 4.0 workstation/server environment, what is the best method to get a simple, emergent broadcast text message out to (possibly) 6000 users/workstations (ACTUALLY... currently logged in users would be sufficient) in a EFFICIENT AND TIMELY manner?  Net send is not the answer, due to timeouts, and the fact that it is a "serial" process.  Is anything else available in Windows NT, or does anyone have any experience with custom scripts or with a COTS product you would recommend?

I know the following:
'Using the Messenger Service in Windows NT gives you varying results that depend on the command options or interface you use to send messages. The method you use determines whether the message will be a local Broadcast or a directed datagram, and to which NetBIOS name the message will be sent.' I know I "can" use Server Manager to send a directed message to the <03> NetBIOS entry for each computer connected to the server [select]. Unlike the NET SEND /USERS, only one message will be sent to each connected computer, even if the computer has multiple sessions with the server. This is not the most automated method, since I would most likely have to construct the text message and cut/paste into dialog box for probably each Domain Controller [we have 11 of them] for best results... (?)


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darrenburke

does it have to be a broadcast - would an email to everyone work?
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ASKER

Well, good point - yes we could send an Email, BUT... the instance I can think of when we want to use this capability would be for some time of "emergent message" situation. (maybe a Virus, for example...) Lots of users might not open the message and/or the message might be out dated information by the time they do read it. Besides, if the situation was bad enough, Email might be down. Thanks for comment.
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darrenburke

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Try using ICQ.it makes sound and visuall alerts on messages.
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ASKER

Another part I should have mentioned... the "goal" would also include not having to install a client piece of software. Thanks for all comments... I'm looking at a few of the suggestions.
why not use the net send feature with the * feature which i think will send round a message to everybody on your network.

i.e.

net send * "blah blah balh"