Blast a message to all computers on a Mac Network

[Tranziq]

After a long search with no answer in sight, I ask you all a question. I run a call center with 200 iMacs, I am looking for a way to blast a message to all ip's on the network with announcements. eg. "VTO available", "Set of Keys found"

We currently use ichat and have to manually click every user to send a blast message and not all users are logged into ichat.

I know Apple Remote Desktop Has this function to blast messages as an administrator but do not want to fork out 500$ for a second copy. I have one for IT purposes but the Workforce desk would like the same functionality.

Netsend for windows is kinda what I am looking for, and the Unix "Write" command only works if the users are in terminal.

there has got to be a way to do this

Any suggestions?

 

[Satcomer]

What kind of server are you running to service all these Macs? There must be some kind of messaging service in there.

 

[djackmac]

I worked at a tech support call center for a couple years and just about all communication was done through the MS Outlook exchange server. With Snow Leopard being released today with full Exchange Server support built in that would be the way to go.

 

[Randy Singer]

After a long search with no answer in sight, I ask you all a question. I run a call center with 200 iMacs, I am looking for a way to blast a message to all ip's on the network with announcements. eg. "VTO available", "Set of Keys found"

QuickPopUP
http://www.quickpopup.com/office/freetrial.html

SnapTalk
http://www.sharewareconnection.com/snaptalk-mac.htm

There used to be a hidden, but easy way to send very basic pop-up instant messages, built into the Mac OS, but it has been years since anyone has asked me about it, and I'm afraid that I have forgotten how to do it.