Omnilert Features

Omnilert's flagship technology is a unified mass notification system, also referred to as a multimodal or integrated emergency notification system. Many of these features apply to e2Campus and Amerilert instead of RainedOut or NewsRocket.

 

Multimodal. Omnilert's uAlert is an integrated, multi-channel, multimodal, layered communication messaging system. No other emergency notification system reaches more people in more relevant ways than Omnilert. The list of devices and technologies utilized to receive alerts is too long for inclusion here. For a complete list of modalities that are used, click here.

CAP Compliant. Omnilert complies with the OASIS Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) version 1.2, the industry standard for exchanging emergency information between other CAP-compliant devices and services. This enables easy interoperability with any other CAP-compliant system.

GIS-Based Alerts.
To send targeted alerts, simple create free-form polygon areas instead of selecting a group. The areas can be created in an ad hoc fashion, or they can be saved as “stored templates” for use at a later time. Omnilert works with both commercial and government clients to acquire the most accurate spatial data. On the commercial side, we acquire real-time data as accurate as to the nearest sub-second.

Opt-In Mode. We strongly recommend opt-in data, yet accept data uploads when warranted. Participants that opt-in to Omnilert go through a quick realtime validation, which if done manually via upload would take much longer. Real-time validation during opt-in proves:
1. User can operate device
2. Device accepts SMS
3. True identity
4. Correct number
5. Correct carrier

Mobile Opt-In. This functionality allows citizens, employees, staff, first responders, government officials, contractors, volunteers, visitors, media, and others to subscribe their mobile phone to receive alerts by simply texting the organization’s keyword to the e2Campus and Amerilert short code, 79516. Each organization can reserve their own custom account keyword and group keywords so that their users may subscribe from anywhere, anytime. Mobile opt-in does not collect names or e-mail addresses for subscribers, so it may not be the right method for all organizations.

Opt-Out Mode. Although we strongly recommend opt-in mode, this optional setting can switch the system into Opt-Out mode, which bypasses validation and instead sends a “You have been registered...” text with an option to opt-out. The Opt-Out Manager offers a simple, streamlined process within the Omnilert console to enable 100 percent participation in the emergency alerting system. It walks an administrator through the steps to import the recipient data, send a registration alert, collect opt-out users, list bad data for resolution, and store the information for reporting later.

SmartCode™. Simply cut and paste a line of code into your new or existing web page to create your registration, access point, or to display the actual notifications. One line of SmartCode inserted into your site creates a registration page without forcing the subscriber to leave your site. Another line of SmartCode, called the Bulletin Board, can display the actual alert content on any Web page. This means there is no new system to create and your subscribers don't have to jump to a third-party site to start the process. What could be easier than that?

Groups. Administrators can create an account with multiple groups. For example, the top-level account could send alerts to everyone, but groups might only send alerts to a particular zip code, team or interest group. Admins or Group Admins can administer these groups. Group Admins only have access to their group and cannot administer other groups or functions of Omnilert.

Social Media Integration. Omnilert sends alerts to Facebook and Twitter for quick and painless updates. This enables Omnilert clients the option to push alerts automatically and simultaneously to their organization's Twitter or Facebook account without having to login into those accounts separately. People who follow the organization’s Twitter or Facebook page would then receive alerts through these sites without ever having to sign up for Omnilert.

Reply to Alerts. Recipients can reply to alerts - whether the alert was sent as an email, text message, or phone call. This is used for alert confirmations, polling, feedback, voting, requests, questions, accept assignments, and more. Responses appear in the message delivery details and are exportable.

Web Widget. This SmartCode feature allows organizations to dynamically post any Omnilert message within the organization's web site or blog - instantly and automatically. The content posted in the Web Widget can speak to all users or one specific group. Administrators can post as many Web Widgets as desired. This means the Admin or Group Admin does not need to contact the organization's webmaster to update the web site as notifications are sent.

S.E.E.D. - "Single Entry Email Delivery" allows you to simultaneously send an email to all users within your organization's email server by adding your org-wide email distribution list to Omnilert. S.E.E.D. ensures 100% coverage of all your organization's users in Omnilert alerts from day one - whether they have opted-in to the cell phone alerts or not. And best of all, this will not reduce your account's user allocation.

MultiFeed. A multi-headed RSS engine that allows for more than one RSS feed. This is valuable for organizations with different RSS feeds for different locations, different buildings, or multiple feeds for multiple devices, etc.

Attendance Notifications. Enables K12 schools and school districts to notify parents when students are absent. Attendance notifications can be setup to automatically go out every morning.

SmartMapping. To speed up system integration for attendance notifications, the SmartMapping feature automatically maps data on any exported file into what e2Campus needs during the upload and synchronization process. This allows e2Campus to integrate with any type of school data, including ANY learning management system or student information system.

Data Uploads. Upload all contact information of individual recipients to speed implementation.

Import Functions. Tools for batch updates to subscriber data.

Database Integration. Setting up Omnilert as a stand-alone service or interfaced with an authentication system such as LDAP, Active Directory, or Shibboleth is a breeze with SmartCode.

Shibboleth® Integration. This single sign-on platform combined with Omnilert’s participation in the InCommon® Federation, means that existing Shibboleth-enabled organizations will immediately benefit from Omnilert’s enhanced user management and single sign-on convenience without additional integration. Single sign-on capabilities enable users to leverage their organization’s login credentials to jump from one secure online application to another without having to set up and then remember multiple passwords for each resource they use.

Redundancy & Failover. Omnilert is the most advanced Tier-1 ENS hosted at more than seven geographically dispersed data centers within the United States of America to ensure 99.999% uptime and reliability of service. DNS, SMS short codes, voice & all data centers have multiple failovers.

Tech Ecosystem. The Omnilert ecosystem of services and vendors is unprecedented in the entire notification market. With over 90 domestic mobile carriers and over 60 partner products supporting Omnilert, the system is far more powerful than anything that has preceded it.

Delivery Reports. Allows sender to track message delivery and receipt in standard and detailed views. Reports show data as it comes in from recipients, phone networks, and wireless carriers. Reports also show recipient confirmations of receiving alerts, results of polling/voting, and other feedback the recipient may send.

Mobile Portal. Provides streamlined, fast-loading interface for initiating alerts from mobile phones.

24/7/366 Call Center. Omnilert operates 24-hours a day. If you need to contact us for any reason, you can do it any time of the day or night without reaching an operator in a foreign country. We support end-user issues during normal business hours and support account administrator issues anytime - including sending an alert on your behalf - called a Full Service Alert.

Templates. Allows for the creation of pre-written or pre-recorded messages to be stored as templates. Templates work for both text-based and voice-based alerts. Write and save messages that are pre-approved by lawyers, risk managers, PR, copy editors, etc. Record messages in a calm and intelligible voice to be ready for potential scenarios.

Text-to-Speech Alerts. Simply type a message and Omnilert will call your contact list by broadcasting an audible message that can be heard on traditional phones such as a home or office phone.

Natural Voice Alerts. Upload and save pre-recorded voice messages to be retransmitted for alerts. When you broadcast this alert, recipients on the phone will hear the alert in a natural or familiar voice. This can increase the authenticity of your alert. It is ideal for saving alerts in foreign languages other than English.

Language Translation. This feature will translate any text message into one of 32 foreign languages before issuing an alert. Omnilert does not recommend software-based language translation as your first choice and should only be used as a plan b.

ENS Conversion Service. Allows new customers to upload vetted data from their existing emergency notification system into Omnilert uAlert. New customers should have an existing 3rd party alert system for Omnilert to waive the requirement for subscriber opt-in.

Brandable. Administrators can brand the user interface to fit within the look of the organization’s web site. It will look like the organization's own employee notification system. Phone numbers, emails, texts and other alerts can be customized to your organization's branded alert name, such as ACME Alerts.

User Management API. This Application Programming Interface allows organizations to develop their own custom software and/or interface to manage users in the Omnilert system.

Subscriber Management. Administrators can view, update, deactivate or remove subscribers, unvalidated users, and others from accounts or groups.

Auto Opt-Out. The database can automatically remove a person from Omnilert notifications with user-defined expiration dates. Of course individual subscribers can remove themselves at anytime and the Administrator of the service can remove any subscriber at any time.

NetID Match. During the subscriber signup process, Omnilert can automatically insert your organization’s existing username/password from LDAP, Active Directory, or UserID for a subscriber into the Omnilert signup form. Simply place the signup form within your intranet and the form can automatically capture this information so users cannot input data that is different from your existing database.

Domain Authentication. You can configure SmartCode to only appear on authorized pre-defined URLs or domains. Therefore, your custom Omnilert signup forms or logins will not work on other Web sites.

Validater™. Omnilert uAlert automatically validates subscriber's inputs to ensure accurate contact information. For instance, a subscriber cannot finish the sign-up process until receiving an authorization code on their mobile phone via an SMS message. This ensures the subscriber is who they say they are, plus it tests the phone for compatibility at the same time.

MultiRegister™. Subscribers can register one or all contact points, such as personal, school or work e-mail addresses, personal or work mobile phone numbers, pager numbers, or RSS reader. It is the subscriber's choice. End-users are allowed to register 2 mobile devices for texting, 4 phone numbers for voice calling, and 6 email addresses.

SMS Tester™. Administrators can send a test message to any mobile phone to ensure it is properly configured and can accept incoming messages.

Character Counter™. This feature counts the number of characters typed into a notification so the sender can see how it will appear on mobile phones or other services once sent.

Dashboard. This allows an administrator to quickly see reports, groups, subscriber statistics, message statistics, and links to common tasks.

Reporter. Administrators can review reports on activity, subscribers, messages sent, and more.

Universal Send. Send text and voice based alerts to all endpoints from one screen.

Network Services. Enables advanced configuration of individual communication devices and services.

Live Network Status. Real-time status informs sender which services are active before an alert is sent.

Service Name Override. Allows organizations to rename services to their own liking, such as renaming “SMS” to be called "Text Messages", or "Web Widget" to be called “Home Page”.

SMS Validation Resend. Enables an organization administrator to resend text message validation codes to new users to complete double opt-in registration.

SmartCode Extensions. Enables unlimited customization of integration between various systems.

Quickstart Settings. Configures account to most common settings for faster implementation.

Send by Service. Allows sender/admin to select which services (SMS, email, voice, etc.) to deliver the alert.

Advanced RSS. Enables cancellation or defined expiration on alert-by-alert basis or with default setting.

Custom Admin Roles. Various levels of administrators can exist, such as Super Admin, Group Admin, Content Admin, Support Admin, & Maintenance Admin. Super Admins can create customized Admins accounts for unique people or situations.

Search Message History. Aids in troubleshooting an individual contact.

Alias Control. Ability to change the “message from” name across any service on an alert-by-alert basis.

Time Zones. Control the time stamp on alerts to your time zone.

Custom Reminders. Create custom notices to be sent to users 30-days prior to user account expiration.

Determine which outlet is right for you to get up and running today.

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"We stay very busy in IT, and the fact that we don’t have to spend a great deal of time with e2Campus speaks volumes. IT doesn’t have to maintain, take care of, or worry whether e2Campus is up or down today. It’s just there for us when we need it, which is what you want from an emergency alert system."

Michael Abbott,
VP of IT
Trinity Valley Community College