Message queuing is a process where messages are stored in nodes until they are ready to be forwarded. It is commonly used in email systems and data processing networks. Queuing allows for communication between programs, prioritization of messages, and accessibility on alternate systems.
When messages are stored in a queue, they are parked at intermittent points, called nodes, until they are ready to be forwarded to the recipient. The most commonly used form of message queuing is electronic mail, more commonly known as e-mail. Queuing is also often used in data processing in networks.
In an email system that queues messages on its servers, the recipient doesn’t have to retrieve the message right away because the message queuing process simply organizes or sorts the message based on the order in which they are received. Within each node that parks the message on its system or server, the email application has a connection point or endpoint that is used for data transmission. Any previous messages or data in the system are retained until there is no more space on the server or until the previous messages are released from the server. After this process, the current messages go from the server to the end-user mailbox or file, and the message queuing process begins again.
Message queuing does not allow messages of any length or size, but limits the size of a single data file. Typically, message queuing systems work internally within an operating system. The application is only available for that system and more servers are often needed if large data files are involved or if there are security risks to users.
Message queuing has multiple benefits, especially for networks that handle multiple users or have different hierarchies of importance or security within the network. In queuing messages, systems are able to communicate between programs allowing users to receive and send messages while other programs compile data. Queuing also allows users to select the order in which a program processes the information it needs. This means that a user can queue a very important message for transmission before a file that is already on the server. This is especially useful in networks with multiple user levels and different user security levels.
Another useful benefit of message queuing is the user’s ability to make their program more accessible on an alternate system if the primary system is unavailable. This applies to any system where an application can slow down the response time of a server, therefore making it necessary and preferred to move the file to an available alternate server. This process not only frees up more space for data files, but also has the potential to increase productivity and work efficiency.
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