trigger scripts on other computers

[cknudsen01]

Hi Everyone!

I've developed a database that runs on Filemaker Server with about 10 users that acts like an internal mail program. What I'm wondering is if there is anyway of triggering a script on other users computers that would alert them that a new record had been created in the "Mail Database". A sort of "You've got Mail!" message.

Right now, they have to periodicly go into the mail database to check if any new messages have been created.

If anyone has any suggestions, it would be much appreciated!

Cheers,

Christian Knudsen

Toronto, Canada

[LiveOak]

The Troy Activator plug-in will do this (www.troi.com). As an alternative you can use the same plug-in to trigger a periodic check of email.

-bd

[cknudsen01]

Thanks!

I guess there's no way to do it using the native abilities of Filemaker? I had thought there might be something, since Filemaker Server allows the Administrator to send an instant message to users.

If not, then I will recomend that the client purchase this plug-in.

Cheers,

Christian Knudsen

Toronto, Ontario

[The Bridge]

Here's an (untried) idea:

Although this may not be entirely what you're looking for, you could have a calculated field, e.g.,

User_Mail_Count = Count(Persons_Mail::Mail_ID),

where Persons_Mail is a relationship matching the user's unique id in the main file and the user id stored with each mail item in the mail database.

Then you could have another calculation text field, e.g. Mail_Message, which would be something like:

Mail_Message = "You have " & User_Mail_Count & " messages waiting".

Stick Mail_Message as a merge field on each of your layouts and your users will be able to see at a glance whether they have mail or not. No bells or whistles, I'm afraid.

[cknudsen01]

Hey Peter!

That's actually a great idea! It's not a pop-up message but it might work! I'll give it a go.

Cheers,

Christian Knudsen

Toronto, Ontario

[Kundinger]

Here's an 'extension' to Peter's ideas...

How about an 'unread flag' for every new message. When a message is opened, the flag is changed to 'read'. This 'flag' could be 'related' in a way that will 'trigger' a global container field that will be set to display a 'warning' in an 'unused' area of the file the user has open.

In other words... the users open file 'interpets' the message 'unread flag' and changes the 'warning' field from 'empty' to "You Have an Unread Message!". Or, as Peter suggested... have the 'count' of 'unread flags' display the 'warning' "You Have 5 Unread Messages!"

Hope this helps...

Bob Kundinger