Universal Messaging data groups provide a lightweight grouping structure that enables developers to manage user subscriptions remotely and transparently. Data groups provide an alternative to channels (JMS topics).

Each data group is a resource that exists on a Universal Messaging realm server or in a cluster of realm servers. When you create a data group, the Enterprise Manager creates a physical object on the realm. After you create a data group, you can obtain references to the data group by using the Universal Messaging Client and Admin APIs. You can also manage and monitor the data group in the Enterprise Manager.

When you connect to a Universal Messaging realm in the Enterprise Manager, all resources and services found in the realm namespace are displayed in a tree structure under the realm node.