Nature:
1. I am on a windows shared host which implies there's a limit to the amount of CPU resources and program execution time.
2. System admins of these hosts are usually quite unforgiving about CPU resource limit boycotting and usually suspends offenders account without warning.
3. Location redirect is effectively limited to 10 redirects

Language: PHP

Problem: I have a large a large array of over 10,000 members. I need to send an email/SMS to each of these members at random times which i simply have no control over. Trying to do this from a php page would usually break or simply not complete.
I was able to achieve some progress by breaking this array into smaller units and sending incrementally and using php redirects and JavaScript windows.location to convince the browser that its not in an endless redirect loop.

I know there would be a more efficient way of doing things. Especially one that doesn't rely on the browser or user input. for instance if the user closes the page, the sending process wouldn't complete as i need the windows.location to run within a browser.

I could use cron and tell it to run throughout the day, but am not quite comfortable with the fact that cron is running every second in a day.

Need: I want something that acts like a daemon or service which would listen for when the messages would be sent and the user can leave or close the browser or navigate to another page and the process still runs in the background.

Thanks

Forking Processes in PHP is really trivial, Cron is your best bet, just make sure it is has interval of probably 30mins or 1 hour. besides forking processes on Windows not sure it will work. check your PHP Manual on PCNTL

@pc_guru
Prcess forking won't work since its a windows host.
sure i've considered cron but due to the unpredictable nature of the times the messages would be sent as well as the near zero lagpolicy on messages delivery i'd be forced to make cron run every minute, which i find quite annoying.

I'd use cron and live with it for a while and change hosts later.
Thanks

or you can change hosts..

Yeah i think we should discuss more on this, because handling issues like this with Large user base websites becomes a daily concern, but left to me i think its time to change to a better host, i would advise Siteground but basic-dedicated hosting you can see if it fits your needs. anyway let me know when you change host.

thanks, getting a dedicated host might just be the best option.