Abstract: A method for the dissemination of an alert message to a plurality of personal computers using a network communications protocol from a server is disclosed that includes a first step wherein the client contacts the central server and requests the value of said alert ID number in said memory, a second step wherein said server transmits said value to said client, a third step wherein said client compares a stored value at the client with the value of the transmitted alert ID number, and if said transmitted value exceeds said stored value, a fourth step wherein said client transmits a second message to said server and requests for the server to transmit all unread alert messages in a GetUnreadAlerts SOAP request from said server that are specific to said client.