Implementing a server side push for a small number of clients
- by Helper Method
For an web application I am working on I have the following requirements:
Clients need to be able to log in via a web brower.
After logging in, they will be able to
change configurations (normal request/response)
will be able to receive alarms sent by the server (a server side push)
Now, the question is how to implement the alarms. I first thought of using some long polling approach (Comet), but as the amount of clients will definitely belimited to 5-10, I'm now thinking to go with a simpler approach.
What are the options I have? Would it be okay to just let the clients poll the server?
Important aspects are:
Alarms should be delivered in (nearly) real-time.
Alarms must not get lost (a lost alarm could cause harm to real people).