Database Users

Why Google needs “Direct Push” for Google Apps

Direct Push with Google Apps?!?!?!
Hi everyone. I think I might have asked this question before but maybe something has developed in the last few months.
I am running my own IT consulting business and as I get more and more busy my calendar is becoming an ever more important tool. My dear wife went out and got me a good old-fashioned spiral bound day-timer but I have a sophisticated day-timer right here in my pocket in the form of my HTC Touch. As an IT consultant I think I should be using it rather then pulling out the pen and paper. Right now I am using the calendars in my Touch, Outlook, Google Apps and the calendar in the Exchange account I have with one of my customers. Too many calendars and all because I really want to use my Google Apps calendar and have it sync with my Touch.
I really want Google to develop “Direct Push” technology so that I can get my email, calendar and contacts all from my Google Apps account just like it was an Exchange Server. I am even considering switching my email back to an Exchange Server just so I can sync with my Touch. This way my wife could login and add stuff to my calendar and it will appear on my Touch. Right now I have my Email coming in from Google Apps via IMAP, my Calendar synching with Outlook (installed locally on my laptop without Exchange) and my Contacts syncing with my customer’s Exchange server. This is a pain and I want everything in one place that can be maintained/synced in real-time.
I will say this right now and keep in mind that as an IT consultant I like Microsoft’s products and install things like Windows 2003, SQL Server and Exchange on an almost daily basis. If Google develops “Direct Push” for Google Apps it will be an Exchange killer. The only, and I mean only reason I am thinking about switching my domain back to Exchange (I moved from Exchange to Google Apps about 1 year ago) is for the ability to sync everything (not just email) with my Touch.
On the other hand if Microsoft comes out with a version of Outlook/Exchange that dispenses with the whole “Inbox/Sent items/Delete” model and goes for the Google-style “conversation & archive” model along with the search capabilities I might fall back in love with Exchange.
The Fish

Oh and just in case anyone from Microsoft is listening, “threaded inbox” isn’t what I mean by “conversation style”. Come on Microsoft. Just admit that Google has actual built a better mousetrap and managed to improve on the age-old email model of “folders” and “sent items”. Go ahead and copy them… copy, copy copy! Oops sorry, I mean “embrace and extend, embrace and extend”

Something like that would be great!

matthew232 said:
Something like that would be great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And not to mention totally do-able. There is already an non-Exchange mail server out there called “KerioMail Server” that implements Microsoft’s Direct Push protocol. Check out this link http://www.kerio.com/kms_activesync.html
Microsoft’s Direct Push is entirely HTTP based. It shouldn’t be that difficult for Google to do.
The Fish.

I guess you have to wait for Google Android.

thefish123 said:
On the other hand if Microsoft comes out with a version of Outlook/Exchange that dispenses with the whole “Inbox/Sent items/Delete” model and goes for the Google-style “conversation & archive” model along with the search capabilities I might fall back in love with Exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The moment they do that (without giving an option) is when I would have to quit using Exchange. I **hate** Gmail's threading and forward those mails to another account that isn't threaded (and the fact that they don't let you turn it off).

I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but have you checked out any of the 3rd party sync options? GMobileSync is a free little program that allows bidirectional syncing for your calendar (not push though). GooSync offers a free service level that also gives you calendar syncing. If you upgrade to their payed version (I think it is something like $30-40 for a whole year) you get not only calendar sync, but contacts, tasks etc. Might be worth a look.

jeffreycentex said:
The moment they do that (without giving an option) is when I would have to quit using Exchange. I **hate** Gmail's threading and forward those mails to another account that isn't threaded (and the fact that they don't let you turn it off).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft would never do it without making it an option. But I am surprised to hear you say that you head Gmail’s threading. Quite honestly you have got to be the FIRST person I have heard say that.
I have never (till now) talked to anyone who switched to Gmail who didn’t have anything but good to say about it. Most people I know who use Outlook or Outlook Express and who do ANY real volume of email spend at least an hour to two hours a day “organizing” their email. They have a whole list of sub-folders under their Inbox and then have almost the exact same set of sub-folders under their “Sent Items”. They spend time trying to decide how to file things or if they should file it in the first place or just delete it. Sometimes they delete and email and two of three days later the whole issue has ballooned into a big issue and they are filing the responses but no longer have their original email because they didn’t think it would become important.
Gmail lets me keep my Inbox clean while at the same time never worrying about filing or organizing or having trouble finding things back. I would probably hate Gmail if I was still trying to fit it into my narrow 20-year-old “I must use folders” paradigm of thinking (which I did when I first started using Gmail) but it was fun to give up on that and the new paradigm of “never file, never delete” is so superior.
I don’t really case WHERE my email is as long as I can find it back in a natural way. I think in years to come we are going to see the same thing happening on computers and to some extent we already are. The #1 reason most people hate Windows Vista is because of the way the new “Explorer” obscures the hierarchal folder model that everyone is used to from our Norton Commander days. It is really very Mac-like. Most Mac users couldn’t tell you where their pictures were in terms of a “directory” or a “folder” but they have less trouble finding them, or copying them to a USB drive, or attaching them to an email then most Windows users.
If we ever do see WinFS (Windows Future Storage) it is supposed to be a Microsoft SQL layer bolted on top of the file system and gives you database-style searchability with all kinds of meta data attached.
The thinking behind the Reiser file system is that any structure on top of the file system for storing data indicates that the file system isn’t doing it’s job. And I can kinda see the point.
The Fish

I agree, Gmail should definately come out with direct push technology
I currently use gmail with pocket outlook with imap.
It's annoying having it set to check my email in intervals.
I didn't even know what direct push was until today, until i saw a friend using his phone w/ his private exchange server...my first reaction was wow...i want that!!
I'm hoping android will implement features like direct push, among others.

surgex0 said:
I didn't even know what direct push was until today, until i saw a friend using his phone w/ his private exchange server...my first reaction was wow...i want that!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It’s not even so much that I want “push” email (although that would be cool). The biggest issue is that there is no way to sync my Calendar and my Contacts with Gmail. This means I either A) have to use the Calendar/Contacts on my Touch in their “stand alone” form without syncing to anything or B) have to sync them with something else.
I really like being able to use my web-based Gmail calendar (Google Apps) but I wish like crazy there was some way to get this on my Touch.
The Fish.
PS: when you sign-up for Google Apps it asks you what (if any) previous mail system you used. As an example it says in brackets “Microsoft Exchange”. This makes me think that Google Apps is positioning themselves to take the SMB email market away from Exchange. I think if they really want to do this they will make Google Apps look just like an Exchange Server to the millions of WM devices out there. Currently I am seriously considering moving my email back to Exchange when I get my own server online (in a few weeks).

Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.

surgex0 said:
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Googlemaps apparently has a native app now (altho I would rather use Livesearch), so no, they aren't all JAVA. I take it you visit the HTML site instead of using IMAP so that you can see the threading and other g-mail features?

If you want gmail to push, use SEVEN at
community.seven.com
john

Sync & Push
I use www.mobipush.com to push my gmail and it works instantaneously. Fantastic. This is free, perhaps only while they are in beta.
I also use www.oggsync.com for syncing my calendar. There is a free version, but I bought the software and daily sync about 11 calendars 2 months backwards and 2 years forwards. Hardly ever any issues. They are working on contact sync - have a public beta out now.

surgex0 said:
Google's apps for WM are all in java aren't they?
I know the gmail one is, and it sucks big c---.
I'd rather use opera and gmail html mobile than use their ****e java client.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don’t know if it’s really the Gmail client that sucks so much as that it just doesn’t run properly on the version of Java that comes on my Touch (the Bell Mobility Touch in Canada). I was pretty happy to have the Java Gmail client on my Razr back before I got my Touch.
That being said I keep hoping they will come out with a native Windows Mobile version like they did with Google Maps. But then again it seems kinda silly to come out with an email client for a device that already has a built-in integrated email client. The better solution would be to make the pre-exiting email, calendar and contacts features work properly (as in within their native capacity – meaning DirectPush) with their Gmail counterparts.
The Fish

HTC Sync on Nexus One

I want to sync my Outlook information on my PC with the Nexus one and I have heard good news about the HTC sync. Does anyone know if the HTC Sync will work with the Nexus One or does anyone know a better app? Thanks.

scuse me while a LMFAO!!!
No, it won't work with HTC sync. sadly, i don't know of any alternatives. If you are just using it for the first initial sync, then just import your outlook information into your google account and be done with it.
If you need ongoing sync possibilities, then unless anyone else knows something that i don't, then this is not the droid you're looking for.

Thanks, I figured as such.

Nobody has any concern about uploading all these potentially personal and sensitive information into the cloud?
We really trust Google that much?

To sync your calender events you can use this:
http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=89955
To sync your Outlook contacts, you can set u your Exchange account to sync contacts as well.

I'm not 'afraid' of Google, but I would prefer that my desktop and my device be synced. Contacts, Calendar, etc. I use Outlook, and I was happy when my Hermes was in-sync. I'd definitely like Outlook-Android sync.
-bZj

The days of PC > Device sync are dying a slow and painful death. From MobileMe to Google Sync to Microsoft Exchange & MyPhone, just about every smartphone short of Blackberry wants you to use the 'cloud'. Not like it matters, seeing as how we are already in the Matrix...

This is simply not true - it might be true for end-users, but you can be pretty sure that most companies will not allow "cloud sync" in the forseeable future. They have their own IT infrastructure and IT policies do not allow sharing of corporate data on some 3rd party servers like Google "Cloud".
Google knows that, and that's why they did enable MS Exchange ActiveSync.
However, for many SMEs this does not work, as they do not rely on MS Exchange - their workers rather use desktop outlook accounts.
IMHO this is a very big problem. I am experimenting with few Android sync applications ("Missing Sync", "CompanionLink", etc...) but all of them have some flaws - like no 2-way sync, some proprietary calendar app, etc...

Ivan Dimkovic said:
This is simply not true - it might be true for end-users, but you can be pretty sure that most companies will not allow "cloud sync" in the forseeable future. They have their own IT infrastructure and IT policies do not allow sharing of corporate data on some 3rd party servers like Google "Cloud".
Google knows that, and that's why they did enable MS Exchange ActiveSync.
However, for many SMEs this does not work, as they do not rely on MS Exchange - their workers rather use desktop outlook accounts.
IMHO this is a very big problem. I am experimenting with few Android sync applications ("Missing Sync", "CompanionLink", etc...) but all of them have some flaws - like no 2-way sync, some proprietary calendar app, etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried TOUCHDOWN?

TOUCHDOWN? what this? i don't want to import all the contacts to Google, prefer my desktop and device be synced...

I'm on the same boat here. I was very happy with Symbian-iSync/Mac-iPhone ecosystem until I moved to Android/Linux. Open standard support does not exist on this Android/Linux combination.
Talking about open standard, there is Android-SyncML app in the work. It's still an alpha release, so I'm not sure how reliable it is. But this is a good sign. Once Android has SyncML support, then you can sync to whatever platform supporting this protocol.
Google "android-client syncml". (I can't post links)

I think most of us already sold their soul to Google... so yah?! hahahaha
eaglesteve said:
Nobody has any concern about uploading all these potentially personal and sensitive information into the cloud?
We really trust Google that much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Touch is for an exchange server not to be used with a pop or imap. Would love to get HTC sync to work with my epic. Why hasn't someone came up with a good solution?

Companion Link
I wanted ongoing sync with outlook and was disappointed there's nothing that is good and free for n1. I bought companion link for google and outlook. It was $30 but it works well. So outlook updates google (not the phone directly but you can get it to sync the phone directly) and then the phone syncs with google.

k?
phone <-> cloud <-> desktop
Is how it's meant to work. What bit doesn't?

@Henchman: You saved my life I went around for ages looking for that!

I'm on take two trying to type this without sounding condencending but its hard because some people just dont get it. It often doesnt matter what you want at work. You do your job the way you are told. Many people have to sync with a local version of outlook, the cloud isnt an option and wont be for a long time if ever on third party servers. Got nothing to do with what they want or whats better. Got nothing to do with whether or not you think or I think or anyone thinks outlook sucks. Its a fact of life while going about the job. I have to use two phones because of this and like many I wish android would grow up so it could go out in the daddy world which is dominated by microsoft as far as office software goes. Another thing that wont be changing quickly due to the long term investment in it. And yes, I get that many of you can use it as a work phone. A whole lot of people cant and were talking millions which brings me back to the beginning. Many people cannot use a third party cloud solution and must sync with a local install of outlook for various reasons. OK?

rhedgehog said:
scuse me while a LMFAO!!!
No, it won't work with HTC sync..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Working now
http://android.modaco.com/content/g...nc-on-nexus-one-with-r24-edit-working/#entry0
There's also an updated version available now from HTC.

DirkGently1 said:
Working now
http://android.modaco.com/content/g...nc-on-nexus-one-with-r24-edit-working/#entry0
There's also an updated version available now from HTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, so the Nexus One works with HTC Sync, and HTC Sync can sync Outlook contacts and calender entries. (http://www.htc.com/www/support.aspx)
Cool.
I've tried Touchdown and other competitors, and like the above posters, I felt Companion Link came the closest. I was very close to buying their license (i called them once and they do allow the $39 license to be used on 3 PCs that you may want to sync your phone with. Eg. Laptop and Desktop).
This *might* lose CompanionLink some customers, but can anyone verify if HTC Sync can sync Tasks and Notes too, like CompanionLink does?
I like CompanionLink for that and their post 3.2 versions seem to be doing it well. The only problems I see that have given me pause to fully purchasing it are:
- Fat thumbs..I still use my Winmo Keyboard phone thus.
- SMS Bug in Android is still not worked out.
- DejaOffice is the front end application for CompanionLink on N1 and in Android, and its not a totally seamless experience with the front end UI integration that Tasks and Calender had in the Windows Mobile environment/desktop/home-screen. (Maybe some widgets might give resolve to that).
That said, Swype skillz + SMS Bug Fix + Widgets vs Dejaoffice, would make Companionlink a winner for me, and would get my money, because theirs no cloud involved.

Couldn't this answer your question?
http://www.android-sync.com/
It's an early build like they say. But it might match what you're looking for.

How about Outlook Sync?

Just wondering, any news about being able to sync with Outlook?
I do not use online e-mail. I would get this phone but only if I can sync with Outlook both at home and work (Exchange). Need Contacts, Calendar, and e-mail (if possible).
Has anybody heard anything about it?
I would think they will use HTC Sync... but just wonder if it will be available or not.
Thanks.

HTC Hero does that.. So I am guessing it will be supported or else there is an app (TouchDown) that will do the same thing..

toocrazy999 said:
Just wondering, any news about being able to sync with Outlook?
I do not use online e-mail. I would get this phone but only if I can sync with Outlook both at home and work (Exchange). Need Contacts, Calendar, and e-mail (if possible).
Has anybody heard anything about it?
I would think they will use HTC Sync... but just wonder if it will be available or not.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you can be 99% sure this will happen. I don't think Sprint would release a flagship device that wouldn't be compatible with 85+% of the business users that would like to purchase.
I wouldn't worry, and as stated, the Hero does this, as does the Nexus One, so I'm sure the Evo will be fine.

I hope it supports active sync encryption. My company switched over to this just recently and everyone with android phones were hosed. They will not install Touchdown on the server either.
I haven't heard anything about android actually supporting this protocol, has anyone?

toocrazy999 said:
Just wondering, any news about being able to sync with Outlook?
I do not use online e-mail. I would get this phone but only if I can sync with Outlook both at home and work (Exchange). Need Contacts, Calendar, and e-mail (if possible).
Has anybody heard anything about it?
I would think they will use HTC Sync... but just wonder if it will be available or not.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely. I don't see HTC not doing so. Plus they just updated the HTC Sync for the Desire and the Legend.
Link - http://phandroid.com/2010/04/16/htc-updates-htc-sync-with-support-for-desire-and-legend/

UnlnvlslblE said:
I hope it supports active sync encryption. My company switched over to this just recently and everyone with android phones were hosed. They will not install Touchdown on the server either.
I haven't heard anything about android actually supporting this protocol, has anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to speak to your IT person to allow for both in the encryption policy. So the android is not hosed. This is still secure while allowing those phones such as Iphone 2G and 3G that does not have encryption capabilities. The Iphone 3GS does have this. You can also support by individual mailboxes as well so you can fine tune those who do and those who don't. There are a few ways to implement this. I assume you have Exchange 2007/2010?
Touchdown is not implemented at the Server level. It's on your phone.
If you are looking for a complete Exchange experience I would suggest looking at moxier mail.
www.moxier.com - it allows for Mail, tasks, calendar and contacts with lots of corporate features. Remote wipe, etc. I do not think that your IT admin should have a problem with this setup either.
HTC's own mail on the Desire, Legend EVO has more capabilities than the same HTC mail client on the Incredible. Not sure if Verizon is the one holding it back.
Lots to think about

mrmomoman said:
You need to speak to your IT person to allow for both in the encryption policy. So the android is not hosed. This is still secure while allowing those phones such as Iphone 2G and 3G that does not have encryption capabilities. The Iphone 3GS does have this. You can also support by individual mailboxes as well so you can fine tune those who do and those who don't. There are a few ways to implement this. I assume you have Exchange 2007/2010?
Touchdown is not implemented at the Server level. It's on your phone.
If you are looking for a complete Exchange experience I would suggest looking at moxier mail.
- it allows for Mail, tasks, calendar and contacts with lots of corporate features. Remote wipe, etc. I do not think that your IT admin should have a problem with this setup either.
HTC's own mail on the Desire, Legend EVO has more capabilities than the same HTC mail client on the Incredible. Not sure if Verizon is the one holding it back.
Lots to think about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was under the impression Touchdown had a server-side plugin as well as an install on the device. If its just on the device I wonder if it would work for us. I don't have a device to test at the moment, I'm still rocking the TP2 and nobody here that I have access to really uses an android at the moment.
I work at a hospital and we need to keep all of our data extremely locked down. We can't allow any specific accounts to have less "lockdowns" than other accounts so it's not a possibility to tweak settings individually. I guess I'll just need to pickup an android device and try it out.
Moxier looks interesting as well, I'll have to give it a try once I get my hands on another phone.
Thanks for the tips!

I don't have a device to test at the moment, I'm still rocking the TP2 and nobody here that I have access to really uses an android at the moment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try using XDAndroid, and load it up to see if it'll work. I'm currently booting XDAndroid on my TP, and it runs fairly smoothly (when it doesn't, I'm sure its hardware faults with my POS device).

UnlnvlslblE said:
I was under the impression Touchdown had a server-side plugin as well as an install on the device. If its just on the device I wonder if it would work for us. I don't have a device to test at the moment, I'm still rocking the TP2 and nobody here that I have access to really uses an android at the moment.
I work at a hospital and we need to keep all of our data extremely locked down. We can't allow any specific accounts to have less "lockdowns" than other accounts so it's not a possibility to tweak settings individually. I guess I'll just need to pickup an android device and try it out.
Moxier looks interesting as well, I'll have to give it a try once I get my hands on another phone.
Thanks for the tips!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anytime! Both these programs are very good as well as the built in extra capabilities from HTC phones. Unlike the Google N1 phone which does an okay job of Exchange Sync. HTC with Sense has a better Exchange interface as well as increased capabilities. It allows for server searches, etc. I have heard that the Google N1 doesn't allow for this or contact and calendar sync perhaps due to their strong ties to their own google contacts and calendars.
In regards to the Touchdown.
No Hassle Setup
TouchDown™ does not require you to run a separate program on your computer to forward your data to the phone. Simply install the product, configure it on the phone and get going in a couple of minutes.
Also Moxier has a nice interface. Both are very capable and will fit into any locked down environment. Both can take PIN requirements as well as WIPE devices remotely as well.
Good luck.

SAMSUNG states there is no way

you can synchronize more than 500KB of information (contacts/calendar/reminders) to your phone.
I have thousands of contacts, reminders and calendar dates needed for business.
Returning phone this week. What a bummer. This phone is for kids.

Ratcamp said:
you can synchronize more than 500KB of information (contacts/calendar/reminders) to your phone.
I have thousands of contacts, reminders and calendar dates needed for business.
Returning phone this week. What a bummer. This phone is for kids.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure? I've got a month's worth of email, 1100 contacts and a full calendar with no problem.

Phone-atic said:
You sure? I've got a month's worth of email, 1100 contacts and a full calendar with no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How? Please help. Thanks in advance.

what have you tried to do?
did you sync your exchange server?
google contacts?
facebook?

I am on with SAMSUNG at the moment. Opening up a window libe hotmail account and syncing them through outlook connector.
Seems like an awful lot to do. I am used to downloading active sync and connecting with a USB port and - that's it/

You should have no prob just connecting to your Live account if that's where everything is. I use more than 500K i'm sure, just having 200+ contacts and email. Even if not, the phone is syncing facebook activity among other things, and it doesn't even bat an eye...

So is your issue that your PIM data (contacts, calendar, etc.) is stored locally on Outlook but that you don't use any cloud service to sync it right now? If that's the case, yes, you'll need to sync you data to the cloud.
I know you're used to syncing via a cable, at your desk, but Microsoft is supporting an always-connected model instead. They're betting that it's better to stay always sync'd than to have to plug in a cord to get your new appointments. Once you set up the sync of your PIM data to the cloud, then you will be always up to date with your phone and vice versa. So the trouble you have to go through is a one-time process, and the benefits are great.
Just set up an account with either Windows Live, Google, or Yahoo, and set up sync with Outlook using that service's system. For Windows Live, yeah you use the Outlook Connector. If you prefer to use Google, they have Google Apps Sync for Outlook. Once you'd done that, add the same account to your phone.
From then on, all your data will be sync'd automatically between your computer, the cloud service, and your phone. You won't have to worry about staying up to date, because updates will occur automatically.
A quick note: I believe that most people use a cloud service for their PIM data and email, and so might not get what you mean unless you specify "local sync" in your question.

I sync'd with my exchange server, and have TONS of data sync'd, including over 700 contacts, a full calendar, and hundreds of emails.

joeonsunset said:
So is your issue that your PIM data (contacts, calendar, etc.) is stored locally on Outlook but that you don't use any cloud service to sync it right now? If that's the case, yes, you'll need to sync you data to the cloud.
I know you're used to syncing via a cable, at your desk, but Microsoft is supporting an always-connected model instead. They're betting that it's better to stay always sync'd than to have to plug in a cord to get your new appointments. Once you set up the sync of your PIM data to the cloud, then you will be always up to date with your phone and vice versa. So the trouble you have to go through is a one-time process, and the benefits are great.
Just set up an account with either Windows Live, Google, or Yahoo, and set up sync with Outlook using that service's system. For Windows Live, yeah you use the Outlook Connector. If you prefer to use Google, they have Google Apps Sync for Outlook. Once you'd done that, add the same account to your phone.
From then on, all your data will be sync'd automatically between your computer, the cloud service, and your phone. You won't have to worry about staying up to date, because updates will occur automatically.
A quick note: I believe that most people use a cloud service for their PIM data and email, and so might not get what you mean unless you specify "local sync" in your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. I will try tomorrow.

Ummm....
I've got a Focus. Installed my exchange SSL cert, then setup my exchange account.
My phone downloaded (very fast by the way), over 500 contracts, a month of e-mail (along with some HUGE attachments), calendar items, etc... No prob

What if you sync to two computers?
Also, the activesync website states that 4.5 is compatible with Windows 7 phones, but the guys at the ATT took an hour to find that out. They really have no idea.

over2land said:
What if you sync to two computers?
Also, the activesync website states that 4.5 is compatible with Windows 7 phones, but the guys at the ATT took an hour to find that out. They really have no idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, I don't think your supposed to use ActiveSync, I think you're supposed to use Zune?

Zhariak said:
Ummm....
I've got a Focus. Installed my exchange SSL cert, then setup my exchange account.
My phone downloaded (very fast by the way), over 500 contracts, a month of e-mail (along with some HUGE attachments), calendar items, etc... No prob
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm... 500 contacts is no problem. Hotmail will not allow more than 1000.
Ummmmm... you cannot sync your reminders.

With an Exchange setup, be it corporate or a gmail address, is there a way - as in WinMo 6.x - to set what time the account will use push and then be manually downloaded during 'off peak' times?
When I'm at work, I will have a browser tab opened to my gmail so I used to have my email on WinMo 6.1 set to download every 3 hrs during work hours. After that, it was set to instant push.

Ratcamp said:
Ummm... 500 contacts is no problem. Hotmail will not allow more than 1000.
Ummmmm... you cannot sync your reminders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the link I pointed you to in your other thread? Hotmail will allow up to 6500 contacts as long as you upload them in 500KB chunks. Here it is again support.microsoft.com/kb/2454811.

Thanks Rhart but there is no way to sync tasks with or without hotmail. Plus I do not care for storing my important info on a cloud.
The phone went back. I miss it! it looked great but just doesn't cut it for business folk. Microsoft blew it.
Iphone can sync reminders but a window phone cannot. LOL.

Ratcamp said:
Thanks Rhart but there is no way to sync tasks with or without hotmail. Plus I do not care for storing my important info on a cloud.
The phone went back. I miss it! it looked great but just doesn't cut it for business folk. Microsoft blew it.
Iphone can sync reminders but a window phone cannot. LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft didn't blow it if they weren't aiming at business people and I thought they made it pretty obvious that this was a consumer device, not a rehash of the old, fossilized WinMo. Nothing personal but it seems to be your expectations were off base, not the phone. If I needed more than a Focus I'd have kept using the iPhone full time. But I went from being a "business user" to a consumer a few months ago and the Focus has been spot on with my needs and expectations.

markgamber said:
Microsoft didn't blow it if they weren't aiming at business people and I thought they made it pretty obvious that this was a consumer device, not a rehash of the old, fossilized WinMo. Nothing personal but it seems to be your expectations were off base, not the phone. If I needed more than a Focus I'd have kept using the iPhone full time. But I went from being a "business user" to a consumer a few months ago and the Focus has been spot on with my needs and expectations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, if you want to call it a consumer device and not a business phone that is fine with me, but belive me when I tell you that businessmen are buying this phone because it is a windows phone and cannot imagine it having a direct sync with outlook.
But what about the user who wants to sync with Outlook??
You don't have to be a businessman to use outlook. You cannot sync reminders or notes with this phone. Cmon... that is a joke! This is MS! This is their software! Why can other phones sync MS software but MS does not????
Who in their right mind will defend this huge glaring hole?
LOL!

Ratcamp said:
OK, if you want to call it a consumer device and not a business phone that is fine with me, but belive me when I tell you that businessmen are buying this phone because it is a windows phone and cannot imagine it having a direct sync with outlook.
But what about the user who wants to sync with Outlook??
You don't have to be a businessman to use outlook. You cannot sync reminders or notes with this phone. Cmon... that is a joke! This is MS! This is their software! Why can other phones sync MS software but MS does not????
Who in their right mind will defend this huge glaring hole?
LOL!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft calls it a consumer device, I'm just repeating it. I also don't really think it's Microsoft's concern that people are buying it with these huge, unfounded expectations that it's going to be some version of WinMo that doesn't suck. Lots of business people were all pissy about the iPhone not originally having a secure Exchange sync, never mind Apple never said it would in the first place. Too bad. Here's a relevant question that someone can actually answer...if you've already returned it, why do you care and keep beating the dead horse as if asking in the snarkiest manner possible is going to suddenly change anything? It is what it is and it didn't suit your needs. It's not the end of the world, move on.

Markgambler wrote >>>
"if you've already returned it, why do you care and keep beating the dead horse as if asking in the snarkiest manner possible is going to suddenly change anything? It is what it is and it didn't suit your needs. It's not the end of the world, move on.
I say>>>
"I love theSamsung Focus. The screen looks great and it is very receptive and fast. I am still in the market for a phone like this but dumfounded it has a workaround sync with outlook.
I want this phone... not the IPHONE 4 due to reception.
I am going to keep a close eye on developments of this phone because this glaring hole is something MS will be forced to respond with any day. MS cannot afford to make a mistake this big without rectification."

Sync with outlook

Ok after running WinMo phones since their inception I have moved to Android
First thing I want to Do with my new S2 is sync with outlook...contacts, notes, tasks etc
What can I use to get all the data accross not just say contacts
Can I use Kies ?

Do a Google for CompanionLink

Thanks but $50 or $130 to sync to outlook seems insane
The latest & greatest and I cant just plug it in & sync
May as well send it back and keep my HD2

Use Samsung Kies. Its free to download from Samsung website.

i came from winmo and found it a real struggle to sync with outlook. you have to get used to everyone ignoring your question and telling you just to sync with google.
try kies - if that doesn't work, look for myphoneexplorer. it's also free, works flawlessly and is the closest thing i can find to activesync ...

I just found this page http://www.syncdroid.net/
Incredible... I have to [email protected]#k around with 40 pieces of software for a solution
The best phone cant even talk to one of the most widely used pieces of software
My very first windows phone at least did contacts flawlessly..I remember purchasing some software to sync notes...BUT that was 8 years ago!!
I've never had any Apple products because I dont like being told which way to do things and now Google seems no better
What a let down

You probably won't like this but there's a solution. For about $10 a month you can use an Exchange hosting service. In addition to all the syncs you're looking for you get true push e-mail and don't have to use any of the Google apps. It's elegant but not free.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Look for Gsyncit I think its called.
Joe

Hi
just look at "MyPhoneExplorer" this is a grate soft and free.
regds
Henri

parianos said:
Hi
just look at "MyPhoneExplorer" this is a grate soft and free.
regds
Henri
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ doesnt do notes or tasks according to the table on syncdroid.net

exchange active sync works for me. i get all my email on my android

Sorry man, thanks to all these corporations wanting to own your sould they do their best to keep you from being able to move cross platform. A real pia and yeah, people here don't seem to get that many organizations do not want any of their stuff going across third party data harvesting outfits (i.e. gmail) and they are not going to change any time soon. IMO you either deal with the crap workarounds or move on because things have been stagnant on this front from the start, there has been little movement up till now, and no sign of any real improvement in sight.

You don't need "crap workarounds" with Samsung Android phones - they Outlook sync either via USB or WiFi using Kies just fine. And this sync completely bypasses Google.
Its not a feature of Android in general, but something Samsung adds to their customized Android builds.

Nitrodesk
bocsta said:
Ok after running WinMo phones since their inception I have moved to Android
First thing I want to Do with my new S2 is sync with outlook...contacts, notes, tasks etc
What can I use to get all the data accross not just say contacts
Can I use Kies ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my friend, the best tool to manage outlook, is TouchDown from nitrodesk.

I use Gsyncit. I works very well.

Ingvarr said:
You don't need "crap workarounds" with Samsung Android phones - they Outlook sync either via USB or WiFi using Kies just fine. And this sync completely bypasses Google.
Its not a feature of Android in general, but something Samsung adds to their customized Android builds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat...just moved from winmo and thought it would be easy....no it doesn't sync with kies just fine

Try Kies...it's not as intuitive as the almost invisable active sync
I have got my contacts accross although multiple address books look to have not been kept separate
I also havent check that 100% of whats in outlook has come accross as there are multiple fields
Pros coming across from WinMo:
- smooth op system
- havent pulled my battery once yet ..just as well as the cover is made of paper
Negs
- all that battery sucking stuff functions better, is easier to turn on and leave on so the juice dissapears just like before

parianos said:
Hi
just look at "MyPhoneExplorer" this is a grate soft and free.
regds
Henri
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Henri
I was ready to throw my new phone against the wall till I found this.
Sam

Install Google calender sync on your PC, that will sync Outlook to your Gmail account.
Then set your phones calender to sync to that same Gmail account and all will be handled automatically for you.
For free, may I add.

"Local" sync with active sync doesnt require any "sharing" with microsoft in the cloud which is why people dont want to share with google in the cloud
why should you have to get a Gmail account just cos you have a Android phone?