The Post Office came in for criticism earlier this month when its main IT system crashed for the fourth time in nine months. It is just the latest example of the disruption - and bad publicity - that can be caused by computer network failures.
There are many reasons why a network can go down: power outages, temperature fluctuations in server storage areas, or human error when making a change to the system, to name but a few. The complexity of the systems involved mean that slight changes can make a big difference, but be almost impossible for IT specialists to spot.
That is why many businesses, particularly those with large corporate networks, or those with a big online presence, rely on some form of network monitoring. This keeps a permanent eye on the state of websites, servers or databases, and sends out automated alerts to staff - often by SMS - as soon as something goes wrong.
It is not surprising that network administrators, and the technology sector as a whole, have been keen to make use of the benefits offered by SMS texting. Messaging alerts can easily be added into monitoring systems of all types, from security to employee attendance, and allow companies to respond to problems early on, reducing the impact on the business and customers.
The immediacy of SMS is also an advantage when it comes to another aspect of the technology sector - software.
In particular, text alerts are proving to be very useful for software activation purposes, allowing firms to enhance their customer support services.
One of our clients, Code Factory, currently uses text messaging to activate software that helps the blind and visually impaired use screen readers, screen magnifiers, and Braille interfaces on a wide range of mainstream mobile devices.
It is a quick and easy process, whereby the user sends an SMS to Code Factory and receives a reply directly from the application, containing the appropriate activation key. The service means that the customer no longer has to wait for the software to be manually activated, but can do it himself, at any time of the day or night.
The seamless process fits perfectly with Code Factory's focus on customer support.
You will find more information on our mobile messaging solutions for the technology and telecoms sector on our website (http://www.hslsms.com/sectors/technology-and-telecoms/).
There are many reasons why a network can go down: power outages, temperature fluctuations in server storage areas, or human error when making a change to the system, to name but a few. The complexity of the systems involved mean that slight changes can make a big difference, but be almost impossible for IT specialists to spot.
That is why many businesses, particularly those with large corporate networks, or those with a big online presence, rely on some form of network monitoring. This keeps a permanent eye on the state of websites, servers or databases, and sends out automated alerts to staff - often by SMS - as soon as something goes wrong.
It is not surprising that network administrators, and the technology sector as a whole, have been keen to make use of the benefits offered by SMS texting. Messaging alerts can easily be added into monitoring systems of all types, from security to employee attendance, and allow companies to respond to problems early on, reducing the impact on the business and customers.
The immediacy of SMS is also an advantage when it comes to another aspect of the technology sector - software.
In particular, text alerts are proving to be very useful for software activation purposes, allowing firms to enhance their customer support services.
One of our clients, Code Factory, currently uses text messaging to activate software that helps the blind and visually impaired use screen readers, screen magnifiers, and Braille interfaces on a wide range of mainstream mobile devices.
It is a quick and easy process, whereby the user sends an SMS to Code Factory and receives a reply directly from the application, containing the appropriate activation key. The service means that the customer no longer has to wait for the software to be manually activated, but can do it himself, at any time of the day or night.
The seamless process fits perfectly with Code Factory's focus on customer support.
You will find more information on our mobile messaging solutions for the technology and telecoms sector on our website (http://www.hslsms.com/sectors/technology-and-telecoms/).
Alternatively, visit us at:
http://www.linkedin.com/company/hay-systems-ltd
follow us on Twitter @HSLSMS
or call us on +44 (0)1506 605260
or email us at sales@haysystems.com
