• Fast: Alerts are issued in near real-time to many users over multiple communication mediums, reaching a larger percentage of users faster than with individual systems.
  
  
• Flexible: GARNET can support a wide variety of communication channels, including e-mail, cell phones, personal computers (PCs) and PDAs, and provides the flexibility to include other communication devices as they are developed and adopted.
  
  
• Scalable: GARNET can support a growing base of users, both internal to an organization (behind a firewall) and external users or customers. The software can also operate from a low-end, simple-server setup to a clustered server system providing seamless failover and load balancing.
  
  
• Cross-platform compatible: Written in Java, the software supports multiple platforms including Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and UNIX, enabling administrators to seamlessly incorporate the software with other IT systems.
  
  
• Secure: Communication is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), server push/client pull technologies, and firewalls. Configuration also enables only authorized administrators to enter alerts over secured communication channels.
  
  
• Unobtrusive: A high level of granularity in notification controls helps ensure that only affected personnel, users, or customers are interrupted, helping to avoid confusion and maintain productivity among unaffected employees.
  
  
• Simple: Implementation is straightforward through an online administration console. A simple-to-use interface enables administrators to tailor who is notified, what medium is used, and how alerts are displayed.
  
  
• Proven: The software has undergone extensive testing (both inside and outside a firewall) at two NASA facilities.
  
  
• Affordable: The software can be hosted on an economical, single-server setup or on a redundant server system for improved reliability, meeting the needs of various customers and budgets.
  
  
• ADA Compliant: Existing alert systems (e.g., fire alarms, PA systems, CCTV) can be integrated with the software to provide further communication options for hearing- or sight-impaired users. Fully compliant with Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, the software provides full access to all individuals, regardless of handicap. 

GARNET can be used by any organization needing a reliable, near-real-time delivery method for emergency alerts as well as other time-sensitive messages and announcements. Federal, state, and local governments, as well as education and industry can benefit from GARNET’s wide-range of alerting applications:

• Emergency alerts
  • Fire or building evacuation notifications
  • Computer virus attack alerts
  • Severe weather warnings
  • National security alerts
    
    

• Supply-chain alerts
  • Trading-partner notifications
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) alerts such as out-of-stock notifications
  • Stock trading alerts
    
    

• Facilities and IT alerts
  • Network monitoring alerts
  • Facility closing
  • Road closing or construction
    
    

• Informational alerts
  • News broadcasts
  • Weather alerts

Disseminating alerts

The heart of the simple-to-use GARNET system is a secure, Web browser–based interface. Authorized administrators enter alerts into the system. The administrator can select a severity level, message delivery method(s), and the group of affected users to whom the alert will be disseminated. The alert is then distributed to only those users, along with a link to further information such as suggested actions and related instructions. Alerts interrupt end-users’ work on desktop PCs, cell phones, PDAs, and other communication devices, helping to ensure that the message is acknowledged.

Using push and pull technology to increase effectiveness

Desktop PCs have two methods of polling a server for new messages or alerts:

• The PC can use software to poll the server at predetermined intervals, known as pull technology.
• The server can push messages to subscribed clients whenever they are generated.

Because e-mail alerts using only pull technology have an inherent delay, they may result in potential hazards in true emergency situations. To increase the timeliness of alert delivery, the GARNET system employs both push and pull technologies. The server is configured to push alert messages to systems that are not behind a firewall. Systems that are behind a firewall poll the server at intervals to receive new alerts. These determinations are made during client software startup and login.

Securing alerts through a reliable system

GARNET provides secure alert-delivery channels using SSL, server push/client pull technologies, and firewalls. Administrators are authorized before alerts can be sent through the GARNET system. The system provides separate zones for application servers and for replicated Web servers. Each zone is secured by a firewall. To send alerts, the Internet may refer to a center-wide network or to the Internet itself. Alert access can be limited to the network center to maximize security. 

System requirements, configuration, and maintenance

Typical installation on a server usually requires the following software*:

• Microsoft Advanced Server (operating system**)
• Apache Tomcat (application server)
• Microsoft IIS (Web server)
• Microsoft SQL Server (database)

*Other software packages may be used, such as Linux, Apache Web Server, and MySQL.

**GARNET supports Windows NT, 2000 and XP desktop clients as well as Mac OS, UNIX and Linux.

Minimum software configuration requires only a central server with a database; however hosting the software on redundant servers with failover and load-balancing capabilities helps improve system reliability.

Maintenance of the software is minimal; however, the system must be retested after any major operating system release and installation or when new versions of Java replace the current version.

Why GARNET is better

Historic and existing alert systems, such as fire alarms, PA systems, and sirens cannot provide the breadth and depth of information distributed by the GARNET system. Specifically, sound-based systems do not provide descriptive information about the alert and may not be adequate for communicating messages to the hearing impaired. Televisions can provide the detail but may not be turned on or tuned to the right channel to receive alerts. Using only PC or e-mail-based alerts does not account for users who are not at their desks or other e-mail systems. In addition, most existing alert systems cannot avoid interrupting people who may be unaffected by the information being distributed.

Unlike existing systems (or just one means of alert), the GARNET system disseminates timely messages through a wide range of devices, helping to reach a higher percentage of people in a shorter period of time. Unlike many other messaging systems, GARNET is pervasive, interrupting all applications on the user’s computer to deliver emergency notifications. In addition, GARNET contacts precisely selected people, helping to ensure that only affected personnel are interrupted.    

This technology is part of NASA’s Innovative Partnerships Program Office, which seeks to transfer technology into and out of NASA to benefit the space program and U.S. industry. NASA invites companies to consider licensing the Global Alert Resolution Network (GARNET) (GSC-14927-1) for commercial applications.

For information and forms related to the technology licensing and partnering process, please visit the Licensing and Partnering page. (Link opens new browser window)

If you are interested in more information or want to pursue transfer of this technology (GSC-14927-1), please contact:

Innovative Partnerships Program Office
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Phone: (919) 342-6502
E-mail: garnet@gsfc.nasa.gov