We use sp_OAMethod to invoke a method on a COM object installed on our SQL server. This COM object has several methods that accepts the params and then sends them in a UDP broadcast on our LAN. The parameters are typically a varchar or 2 and a WORD, which is the messae number/ID.

We monitor the broadcasts via a client application which handles the data according to the message id. This is used for everything from updating Calendar information in real time to completion/error notification for tasks.

We also have a service that monitors the UDP port for IT specific messages and based upon the time of day/priority will notify staff via email or SMS text to our cellphone.