3. Notification type and message content

3.1 It must be possible to send email notifications

At this point, the only required mechanism for notifications has been identified to be email. Many of the current CFHT pagers are numeric message only pagers. However, there is talk of replacing some of these pagers with either email pagers or cell phones with text messaging capabilities. This would certainly improve the ability for someone to receive critical notifications without needing to explicitly check email on a CFHT account.

While the notification system can apply rules based on Status Server data and initiate email notifications, there are also several external dependencies. As part of the design and implementation of the system, these factors must be taken into account.

• Dependable server to send out email notifications. At this point, the mail server at CFHT used to send email is hokua, which is in Waimea.
• For email addresses outside of the CFHT network, a reliable connection to the Internet must be available. At times the UH router/connection has been less than reliable. :(
• Reliable email connectivity and support from target devices. This is dependent upon both system reliability and coverage (in the case of remote devices).