VB6 app1 talk to vb6 app2, same pc.

I need to create a small utility app to monitor a primary data collection app in the same pc.

From what I've read, determining if an app has stopped responding isn't an exact science, or reliable. So to keep it simple, I want to have my utility just send a ping to the primary app hourly, etc. and wait for a response. If the responses fail it will sms/email/sound an alarm, etc.

My apps communicate across networks using Winsock, but what about the same PC? I know my client app communicates with my control app on the same pc using Winsock during tests.

Suggestions?

Try using SendMessage.