SyncML SMS Push
SyncML Push extends the existing SyncML protocol specification by new means of server-initiated synchronization. Goal of the push technology is to actively notify a wireless device that new data is available on the server and therefore a new synchronization should be performed. The device is alerted by delivery of a simple piece of information which triggers the device to start synchronization of changed data without user intervention.
Push Technology Primer.
Data entered using any interface, such as Microsoft Outook (with Outlook Connector), any calendaring client or from WebMail are immediately synchronized to the wireless device.
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Highlights
- Up-to-the-minute information on the device at all times
- Server changes delivered to the device in real-time
- Fully automates synchronization process
- No need for any user intervention
- Supports Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, Notes, Inbox, Briefcase..
- Propagates changes in CalDAV, Outlook Connector, WebMail Pro, IMAP
- Multiple devices can reflect the same data
- Intelligent design to minimize number of notifications sent
- Multi-threaded processing and multiple message queues
- Administrator in control over accounts, devices and data types
IceWarp 9.2 implements SyncML SMS Push (sometimes referred to as WAP-PUSH). This method depends on SMS to deliver notifications to the device, which makes it available in all networks and on most client devices. There's only the added cost per each SMS required to trigger the synchronization, beside the cost for data transferred over HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE, 3G or Wifi, required to complete the synchronization. Special facilities allow the engine to eliminate any overhead and minimize the amount of SMS to be sent. SMS notification is also more resistant to network connectivity loss under varying coverage.
Requirements
- Valid SyncML Server license, full or trial
- GroupWare Server and a configured database is a prerequisite
- Working SMS Gateway (local or remote) with calling plan optimized for SMS
- Native or 3rd party SyncML client installed on mobile device
- Mobile data (GSM, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA, HSDPA) or Wi-fi acccess
- A data plan and working Internet connection on the device
Compatibility
SyncML Push in IceWarp Server 9.2 only works with Windows Mobile devices equipped with the latest Funambol client for the full scope of features. Support for more devices will be added continuously until the release of 9.3, which will also feature Client TCP/IP Push, a method based on the ability of the device to listen on a defined TCP port for incoming connections, where notifications are sent via TCP/IP protocol.
- Device needs to support SMS to receive the alert
- Internet connection is required to complete the synchronization
- Windows Mobile is currently the only supported platform
- Latest Funambol v6 SyncML client has to be installed (free download)
Simple Client Settings
Setting the synchronization on client device is as simple as configuring the standard user-initiated synchronization. Administrator just first needs to know the email address and GSM number to activate the device and give permissions as to which server resources (data types) will be pushed.
- Set URI of the SyncML server: http://yourdomain.com/syncml/index.html
- Enter Email Address and Password
- Set resource types to Default Sync folders
- Default Sync folders: Contacts, Events/Calendar, Journal, Notes, Tasks, Inbox
- Set Intiate sync using: Push service
Announced features
- Nokia, Sony Ericsson support
- Client TCP/IP Push
- Semi-automated signup for the service
- Over-the-air configuration and provisioning
- Remote wipe from WebMail if device is lost or stolen
- Dedicated SyncML client