You can add value to your applications by using SAS' email facility to send text messages to your cell phone. Specifically, by conditionally executing FILENAME/EMAIL routines, you can send remote notification when modules successfully complete or unexpectedly abend. The code segment below demonstrates how this is done:

  filename outbox email "9995551212@messaging.VENDOR.com" ; 
     /* for example VENDOR might be nextel, sprintpcs, verizon, etc. */ 
  data _null_;
  file outbox
  cc=("9995551313@messaging.VENDOR.com", "somebody@else.com") 
    /* send the same message to another phone or email inbox */
  subject="The Production Module Abended!!!";
  put "The production module has abended unexpectedly.";
  put "Please contact the operations staff immediately."; run;

This approach has three benefits:

• If you are testing long running modules, you can have the module call you when it is done — you do not have to sit and watch the screen.

• If the system crashes for any reason, one or more persons can be informed immediately anywhere and anytime — no laptop required.

• You can macrotize the phone numbers such that specific people are contacted based on the processing conditions. An anomalous application can call the developer who maintains it. A successful application can call the end user to inform them that their deliverable is ready.

Note: The vendor designation syntax may need to be modified based upon vendor requirements.

About the Author
Bryan K. Beverly is a Software Architect and Team Leader with BAE Systems Information Technology. He has been using SAS for 20+ years and is currently supporting SAS-based systems at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bryan has served as a presenter and volunteer at SAS conferences for more than 10 years.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

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These sample files and code examples are provided by SAS Institute Inc. "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Recipients acknowledge and agree that SAS Institute shall not be liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of their use of this material. In addition, SAS Institute will provide no support for the materials contained herein.

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