Abstract: A communications hub receives a messaging job creation request sent over a network connection. The messaging job creation request includes a destinations uniform resource locator (“URL”) plus an inline contents list containing content specifiers, a contents URL plus an inline destinations list containing recipient specifiers, or a destinations URL plus a contents URL. The destinations URL identifies a list of recipient specifiers, each with a delivery address and mode. The contents URL identifies content specifiers for content to be delivered. Some recipient specifiers include merge fields for merging values into message contents. The contents URL itself may include a merge field for merging to obtain a merged contents URL which then identifies a content specifier location. The URLs and the merge fields can appear in various combinations, thereby supporting flexible message customization without hindering bulk messaging.

Abstract: The various implementations of the present invention are provided as a network computer system configured to allow for the tracking and reporting of user-specified events, including but not limited to, performance metrics and attendance data. This network computer system provides a user interface that allows a user to create metrics to be monitored, view and update event-related information, and to configure and review various pre-programmed and ad hoc reports so the users can monitor and evaluate performance metrics over time. Further, a wide variety of user and system generated alerts and messages or message events can be configured, allowing for automated and manual messaging related to the attendance or performance metrics that are being monitored. Alerts can be provided via email, non-electronic mail, telephone, SMS, facsimile, social networking sites and services (such as “tweets”), etc.