What would be a more effective alert method for notifying a server administrator of a shutdown due to overheating?

The most effective alert method for notifying a server administrator of a shutdown due to overheating is SMS messages. This method provides immediate and direct communication, ensuring that the administrator can receive the alert even when they are not physically present in front of the server or at their desk. SMS messages have the advantage of reaching the recipient quickly on their mobile device, allowing for a prompt response to the situation, which is critical when dealing with server overheating, as it can lead to hardware damage and potential data loss.

In contrast, broadcast messages typically require the administrator to be logged into a specific system or network to see the alert, which may not be feasible during a shutdown scenario. Telephone calls, while effective, can be delayed by the need for the recipient to answer and can be impacted by busy networks or missed calls. Console notifications could fail to reach the administrator if the server is already down or the administrator is disengaged from that console. Therefore, SMS messages are the most reliable option for ensuring rapid awareness of critical issues like overheating server shutdowns.