Gartner Glossary

Push Technology

Software that automates the delivery of information to users. In contrast, the Web is a “pull” environment that requires a user to seek information.
In a “push” environment, information is sent to a person proactively, through a Web browser, e-mail, or even voice mail or a pager. In business, push technology can be used for the conveyance of time-sensitive information, like changes in commodity pricing or the introduction of promotional programs to a sales force. Enterprises can employ push technology to communicate externally with their clients or internally with their employees over a network.