| Enterprise-Grade Security & Control |
|
Sonork runs on an Intranet (LAN) or so-called Virtual Private Network (VPN) environment, providing complete control over the system. The stable deployment tested platform offers a robust extensible design in use by thousands of businesses and government agencies.
Sonork offers complete control over IM usage, reducing corporate security violations and ensuring regulatory compliance by archiving all conversations and files transferred across the system.
Sonork features a proprietary encryption scheme that provides protection against “snooping”, something common-place with public instant messengers. All data (messages and files) is sent and stored in an encrypted state. Sonork supports various levels of encryption.
Administrators can allow or prohibit employees’ access to the system and networked applications various at various level of permissions granularity. |
| Flexible Extranet Configuration |
|
Sonork provides VPN-style support for extending access and usage outside a company’s intranet without compromising security. Administrators can open specific ports or dictate what IP addresses can access the server from outside the firewall. |
| User Profiles |
|
Sonork features the ability to create specific user ‘Profiles’ that are used to define permissions and restrictions for selected groupings of users. Each Profile can be configured differently with regards to:
1. Setting User Permissions – e.g. allow sending of files, do not allow adding other users to the contact list, etc.
2. Logging/Recording Options – e.g. whether or not to create message logs on the server, disabling peer-to-peer, etc.
3. Creating User Lists – configuration of users’ contact lists, preloaded with appropriate groups and corresponding contacts
Profiles enable administrators to control different levels of access to effectively enforce any corporate policies and procedures.
|
| Message Logging and Regulatory Compliance |
|
Financial institutions and health care organizations are among those who need to keep accurate records of conversations. Sonork allows the central logging of all messages, file transfers and events on the network, decreasing legal exposure and liability due to inability to comply with industry-specific requirements. |
| Call Signs |
|
Call Signs are tags placed on users that associate them with a specific group (e.g. IT dept, Travel, etc.), making it simple to search for people within an organization.
Searching for people by Call Signs ensures that users will find the right people, see their online status (availability) and be able to instantly communicate with them—even without being on one another’s contact list.
|
Tracker Rooms
(‘Help Desk’ Style User Tracking System)
|
|
Sonork features a unique user tracking system called “Tracker Rooms”. These built-in “Help Desk” features allow for the looking-up of and communication with colleagues without them having to be on a user’s list of contacts. Because the state of online presence is displayed next to each person on the contact list
Users may belong to (or have been assigned to) more than one group, such as “Technical Support”, “Marketing” or “Human Relations”. Tracker Rooms are defined server-side and populated client-side on a voluntary basis.
|
| Integrated HTTP Engine & WebApps |
|
An integrated HTTP engine extends Sonork’s use far beyond messaging and file transfer. It enables the creation of web-based applications (WebApps), running on any web server, that interact with the Sonork environment and network (e.g. digital forms, database apps, etc).
WebApps are designed to interact with databases and the Sonork user db to collect, store, organize and disseminate information, creating extremely useful tools for consistent information management.
From simple WebApps such as a travel request form that sends info to a database and the correct person(s) within an organization, to a more complex ticket system or intranet, WebApps generate substantial ROI from the day they are implemented. |
| File Transfer Agent |
|
Sonork pervasively and automatically encrypts, compresses and temporarily stores files sent between users. The capacity of the file repository is configurable, including rules for when to automatically delete old or unclaimed files.
Unlike e-mail servers, the agent stores a single compressed copy of a file sent to several users, reducing network and storage resources and providing enhanced security.
|
| Auto Peer-to-Peer Mode |
|
Sonork automatically establishes P2P connections to relieve the server load. This can be disabled server-side when message logging is required. |
Flexible Configuration
(GUI or Direct Table Access)
|
|
Sonork offers an extensive administrative toolset to tailor-make the system, but also allows direct table data access to effect changes. This provides great flexibility in administering and extending the system. |
| Sonork IPC API |
|
Sonork’s IPC API enables low-level integration with external applications and the ability to embed Sonork localization and data transfer functionality into non-Sonork applications.
The Sonork IPC API empowers businesses to unify external applications within their private networks around a secure communication backbone.
|
Sonork MSI
Client Customization Tool
|
|
The MSI (Make Sonork Installer) tool enables you to brand and configure the client and installer with your network’s settings. With MSI, you can customize everything from the name of the downloadable client to the banners and icons used by the program, making the Sonork client easier to deploy for your organization. |
Customer-Friendly
Licensing Model
|
|
Sonork licenses are purchased on a concurrent user basis (simultaneous connections allowed to the server at any one time), with NO LIMIT placed on the number of user accounts that may be in each server's database.
While this is of particular importance to multi-national companies with employees working across different time zones, our attractive licensing model improves efficiencies and cost savings across any organization. |
| CLIENT FEATURES |
| Intuitive and Professional Client Application |
|
The Sonork EIM Client interface is easily learned by end users. A clear and logical layout and extensive drag and drop support ensures that the learning curve is low and that anyone can use the product effectively within minutes, making deployment a smooth process.
Unlike the popular consumer IM services (which were built as chat toys), Sonork’s advanced feature set is built specifically for business, saving time and money while simultaneously increasing workflow and accountability from the moment it is installed.
|
| Unobtrusive Messaging |
|
Messages sent on Sonork do not intrusively pop up on the recipient’s screen. Instead, the sender’s name is highlighted, a soft audio alert is played and the number of unread messages is displayed next to their name on the contact list.
While Sonork keeps each user informed of various system events (unread messages, contacts coming on and offline, changes in network status, etc.), all settings are adjustable to ensure that workflow is not disrupted.
|
| Messaging & File Transfers to Offline Contacts |
|
Users can send messages and/or files to offline contacts. Recipients will immediately receive any messages whenever and wherever they next log on. This allows for email type functionality, enabling communication at any time consolidated through one centralized contact list. Three different time-stamps show remote, local and GMT time, so users will know exactly when the message was sent. |
| Persistent Message Histories |
|
A message history for each contact on a user’s list is accessible at all times (displayed in respective contact’s message window). Message histories are encrypted and stored locally, as well as optionally logged on the server by administrators.
Like email, each message in the history is time and date stamped and several search filters allow for quick retrieval of past messages and conversations, which can be exported to HTML or text format.
Because Sonork messages are treated as individual ‘text objects’ and not as unstructured free form text streams, messages can be isolated and shared with colleagues without first having to manually remove irrelevant messages.
|
Structured Conversations
(Reply & Query Modes)
|
|
A Sonork innovation, Reply and Query modes enable structured conversation in an otherwise loose communication environment. Users can reply to and place greater emphasis on specific messages within a conversation string, eliminating confusion and providing more efficient communications. |
| Message Templates (Digital Forms) |
|
Message Templates are pre-structured digital forms that enable information to be sent in an organized way via an instant message. In many cases, they can replace paper forms and streamline inefficient processes.
Templates are simple to create and help to reduce many of the costs associated with long-distance phone and fax usage, overnight deliveries and email attachments.
|
Group Messaging & File Transfers
|
|
When information needs to be disseminated to a group of people in a timely fashion, Sonork provides a simple solution. Users can send messages and/or files to a group on the contact list, select recipients individually or even drag and drop a file onto a group name. The sender gets confirmation that the message was delivered to each of the intended recipients. |
| Multi-Party Conferencing |
|
Sonork conferences make online meetings with teams, customers, colleagues, etc. possible. Users can invite others into a conference by simply dragging them from the contact list into a conference room.
Not only do conferences reduce the need for expensive telephone calls between geographically dispersed locations, but they provide written transcripts of meetings and discussions for later reference. Conferences enable quick decision-making and other activities where group consensus, input, or consultations are required. Encrypted group communications traffic also means enhanced security for sensitive organizational discussions.
Permanent conference bots can be set up to run unattended, further reducing administrational effort.
|
| Advanced Presence Settings |
|
Users can choose from various states of online presence that let others know whether they are on/offline, available, busy, not available, etc. A corresponding icon is displayed in other people’s contact lists.
Sonork takes managing online presence a step further by enabling users to dictate how individuals and/or groups of predefined users will see their status.
Advanced presence settings not only enhance the efficiency of all communications, but also provide each user with a flexible means to control privacy and accessibility.
|
| Session Notes |
|
Each state of online presence can have an associated Session Note. A Session Note is a canned message that is automatically displayed by the recipient before someone send them a message. It can contain temporary details of a user’s online status (e.g. ‘In a meeting until 2pm’) and reduces, if not eliminates, intrusive messaging. |
| Application Launching |
|
Sonork is able to launch third party applications between two users directly through the contact list. Right-clicking on a contact’s name will reveal an applications menu that can connect (by default) an MS NetMeeting or an Internet h.323 audio call. Administrators can very simply configure Sonork to connect any other application (e.g. desktop sharing) in the same way. |
| Extended Features |
|
A built-in quick reference multi-clipboard, a calendar with reminders, a multi-account email sender/checker, and an applications shortcut menu provides centralized access to information and frequently used applications directly from the user interface. |
| Client Application Source Code |
|
The Sonork client engine code is freely available for the creation of custom applications. Developers can create their own customized client application from the ground up, or modify the standard client to fit their specific needs. |
