Activesync configuration via APK file - Android Software Development

Hi all,
I'm trying to find a way to make Activesync configuration a little easier for people using Android handsets. In my organisation, there are 2 aspects I need to configure.
Firstly, we use a custom APN. Secondly, a lot of people run into trouble typing in details manually. Ideally, I would like to create an APK file that I can place on a website, SMS the URL to the end user, and they install the file, which configures everything except their username and LAN Password.
Is this possible, or am I dreaming? I have accomplished the same for iPhone and Windows Mobile, so I'd like to add Android to the list of options.
Cheers,
Jason

Related

where are mailsettings and/or hosts-file stored?

Hello,
I'm trying to figure out where the mail settings (in particular the SMTP server) is stored. I was thinking of using MobileProfiler to create different profiles, which I could use to change my SMTP server: if I connect via wifi, I need a different one than if I connect via gprs.
With TotalCommander, I searched through the registry and through the file system, but didn't locate anything.
Any thoughts on where this is stored (and if it is readable)?
Alternatively, I was looking for a "hosts"-file (like in Windows, which links hostnames to ip addresses), as one can modify this to get ip-address to change as one wants. But again no luck...
So, is there a place were this ip/hostname information is stored?
Thanks!
Jörg
V J said:
Hello,
I'm trying to figure out where the mail settings (in particular the SMTP server) is stored. I was thinking of using MobileProfiler to create different profiles, which I could use to change my SMTP server: if I connect via wifi, I need a different one than if I connect via gprs.
With TotalCommander, I searched through the registry and through the file system, but didn't locate anything.
Any thoughts on where this is stored (and if it is readable)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is. Please see my WinCE database & Messaging-related articles. I've described most of this stuff at http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=231&more=1
Alternatively, I was looking for a "hosts"-file (like in Windows, which links hostnames to ip addresses), as one can modify this to get ip-address to change as one wants. But again no luck...
So, is there a place were this ip/hostname information is stored?
Thanks!
Jörg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.freewareppc.com/utilities/pockethosts.shtml
Thanks!
Haven't read your article yet in full detail (just glanced quickly), but does that pmailfolders file also deal with the SMTP servers? (I currently have not yet downloaded mails to this device, and I can't seem to find the databasefile (despite the fact that all settings are all set)
If it does, is it possible to change its contents from e.g. MobileProfiler:
http://www.iaccarino.de/silvio/stuff/MobileProfilerReadme.htm
without corrupting the databasefile?
(I'm not a software developer, I just would like to be able to switch/choose my smtp server)
The hosts-file utility does seem like an easier way out, but I'll have to read up more on it. I could my a file for each smtp profile I have (in each file I would put same server name, different ip address), but then I need a way telling the device which of the files to use now. MobileProfiler allows for files to be copied (they illustrate it for Opera-settings), so perhaps.......
Oh, do you know if it is WM5 compatible?
For the time being, do you know an easy workaround? On my Symbian S60 phone, every message had "Sending options", which included the account via which it was sent. I just changed the option to the server I needed to use for the active internet connection, and I could send the file. I can't do this trick on my TyTN...
Jörg
V J said:
Thanks!
Haven't read your article yet in full detail (just glanced quickly), but does that pmailfolders file also deal with the SMTP servers? (I currently have not yet downloaded mails to this device, and I can't seem to find the databasefile (despite the fact that all settings are all set)
If it does, is it possible to change its contents from e.g. MobileProfiler:
http://www.iaccarino.de/silvio/stuff/MobileProfilerReadme.htm
without corrupting the databasefile?
(I'm not a software developer, I just would like to be able to switch/choose my smtp server)
The hosts-file utility does seem like an easier way out, but I'll have to read up more on it. I could my a file for each smtp profile I have (in each file I would put same server name, different ip address), but then I need a way telling the device which of the files to use now. MobileProfiler allows for files to be copied (they illustrate it for Opera-settings), so perhaps.......
Oh, do you know if it is WM5 compatible?
For the time being, do you know an easy workaround? On my Symbian S60 phone, every message had "Sending options", which included the account via which it was sent. I just changed the option to the server I needed to use for the active internet connection, and I could send the file. I can't do this trick on my TyTN...
Jörg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have started right with this
The Messaging databases are pretty hard to (easily) change in WM5 and there are no tools (that I know of) that would do what you need.
Therefore, you REALLY want to check out alternate browsers; most importantly, Qmail. The latter has an XML-based config file mechanism; this means your thirs-party profiler tool only needs to do some very simple file copy/rename operations to completely and easily switch between SMTP servers. Highly recommended!
Please also check out my Mailer Roundup and other, newer mail-related articles; I've published several articles on alternate clients.
Cool, thanks!
Weird though that all these devices (WM5, Symbian, ...) consider a SMTP server to be a property of the mailbox, rather than of the access point. Surely I'm not the only one who needs to change SMTP servers for different access points.
Again, thanks for the help, I'll search for a mailclient that offers better support for this (I'll check out Qmail too).
Jörg
I'm now running QMail, and this seems to sort out all of my problems.
In it, I can still change the account by which a mail is sent (so I can go back to using dummy-accounts like I did before), but I no also have the option to go for the more advanced profile setup using MobileProfiles.
Thanks!!!
(it made the device so much more usable for me)
Jörg

File Sharing via WiFi - See the *phone* files on the rest of the network

Hi,
Found lots of interesting little programs for my Windows Mobile phone recently, but one thing I can't find.
I want to be able to access the files on my phone from the network, via wifi (as a normal file share). I know it can be done the other way around, ie I can see files on the network from the phone, but haven't found anything to make the phone share its own files.
Is this possible? Can't see any particular reason why not - networking obviously works the other way, I know you can get http and ftp servers for the phone. Am I just missing something?
If there isn't a program out there that can do it, is it because no one's found a use for it and so not developed it, or is there a technical reason why it can't be done?
Any help much appreciated!
David
google this:
Mocha FTP server

Android SQL Client

Hi All,
Does anyone know of a SQL client for Android? Just something for running basic queries when I need to check on a system and can't be arsed waiting for a computer to boot up. The databases I use are MS SQL Server.
I've searched about and can't find anything. I've also had a look at the dev docs for Android and it looks like it should be straight forward using the java.sql class but unfortunately Java isn't in my skill set at the moment and the day job & life in general doesn't leave me with much time to learn it.
If there isn't a program does anyone have any plans to write one ;-)
Cheers
Keith
Anyone ???
It'd be pretty darn insecure to open up your databases to use a remote client like that, why not just use something like phpmyadmin for it? It runs fine in the android browser and theres tons of alternatives that probably have iphone themes that would work great. Alternatively you could get debian set up and grab one of the hundreds of apps to do it in the repository
I need this as well. I'm constantly on SQL Enterprise Manager on my PC and when mobile, I have to teamviewer to my desktop and run queries there, which is such a torture.
I've bought RemoteDB, which I can't seem to get to work properly, I can't switch databases and the connection registry is very confusing.
Anybody?!
Also interested
I'm also interested in this topic.
As far as opening your db's up to the internet, that's a bogus argument. Anyone remotely managing enterprise databases will be using a vpn tunnel, and not the open web.
Having an Android app to connect to Microsoft SQL and Oracle would be extremely helpful. I've been trying to figure out how to mod Oracle's SQLDeveloper to do just that but without any success so far.
aSQL - Remote Control, new launch
Remote Control Client for Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008/2008R2/2012.
aSQL - Remote Control Lite is a powerful Microsoft SQL Server client providing Access to your server in your Pocket. Access all of your databases, Jobs and Processes as well from your mobile device.Simple and Fast application providing advanced features.
aSQL - Remote Control Lite Provide features like:
- Providing connectivity to different servers on your Network.
- Ability to store Server Information for future use.
- Job START/STOP only a click away.
- Kill any running Processes From your mobile device.
- View Databases details - View File size.
Google Play Store link -
"market://details?id=com.sqlforce.aSQL"
SQL Client
Hi Guys
I looked for something like this for a while as well, and couldn't find anything that did what I wanted, so I made one myself
Key features I wanted are the following
Be able to connect directly to a db server. I used the jdts jdbc driver for Java to get this right
Be able to connect to any SQL Server db. I'll add support for Postgres and MySQL if this gains any popularity
List of all databases on the server (excluding system dbs) and allow you to quickly switch between them
List tables in the currently selected db, and generate Select statements for them
List stored procedures in the currently selected db, and pull the code for them so you can change it
Use a tabbed interface for the different sql queries, to allow you to run many queries at once
This is all done and works really well. Large queries take longer to run than they would on a pc, but they run nonetheless.
Let me know what you think, and feel free to suggest features. If enough people like it and use it, I'll bite the bullet and buy the developer so I can publish it on the Play store
I hope you enjoy it
ps. The installer is signed with the standard testing key, so you will need to go into your settings and allow applications from unknown sources
pps. I ask for internet access to get access to the network sockets, but dont actually connect to the internet.
danegoodwin -
I've downloaded it and played with it a bit - looks good. One feature I'd suggest off the top is storing the connection info. It's a pain having to enter the server address and username each time.
If you are still looking for a SQL client I had written one as well.
It should cover most of the popular databases and works well with tablets and phones.
SQLTool Pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nraboy.sqltool
I'm also open to suggestions and questions if anyone decides to give it a try.
nraboy said:
If you are still looking for a SQL client I had written one as well.
It should cover most of the popular databases and works well with tablets and phones.
SQLTool Pro
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nraboy.sqltool
I'm also open to suggestions and questions if anyone decides to give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so, this one does BOTH MySQL and MS SQL, and, your other one *just* MySQL ?
thanks, anyone
abbots said:
so, this one does BOTH MySQL and MS SQL, and, your other one *just* MySQL ?
thanks, anyone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. The pro version will handle MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Sybase, and Oracle up to version 10.1.
The MySQL version is strictly MySQL.
nraboy said:
Correct. The pro version will handle MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Sybase, and Oracle up to version 10.1.
The MySQL version is strictly MySQL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for reply (and for nice app!)
nice, looks good... even better, seems to work well....connected to remote MySQL OK
suggestion: please auto-suggest correct ports for relevant SQLs
so, editing can only be done via queries ? (time to learn SQL syntax..?)
next, I'll try connecting to MS SQL, whilst I know a tiny bit about MySQL, I know nothing about MS, might be asking for help...
Nic,
need some help, if you can:
having issues with MS SQL, MS SQL is on a cloud server, for all I know, port could be blocked..
I've setup definition with port 1433, get 'failed to connect'
how to t/s outside of the app ?
should "telnet host 1433 " work ?
I'm getting
# telnet mssql2008.xx.yy 1433
Trying 202.111.22.33...
telnet: connect to address 202.111.22.33: Connection timed out
what else can I try ?
thanks for any pointers!
abbots said:
thanks for reply (and for nice app!)
nice, looks good... even better, seems to work well....connected to remote MySQL OK
suggestion: please auto-suggest correct ports for relevant SQLs
so, editing can only be done via queries ? (time to learn SQL syntax..?)
next, I'll try connecting to MS SQL, whilst I know a tiny bit about MySQL, I know nothing about MS, might be asking for help...
Nic,
need some help, if you can:
having issues with MS SQL, MS SQL is on a cloud server, for all I know, port could be blocked..
I've setup definition with port 1433, get 'failed to connect'
how to t/s outside of the app ?
should "telnet host 1433 " work ?
I'm getting
# telnet mssql2008.xx.yy 1433
Trying 202.111.22.33...
telnet: connect to address 202.111.22.33: Connection timed out
what else can I try ?
thanks for any pointers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hinting a default port is a good idea. I will see about adding in an upcoming release.
Yes right now anything beyond a simple select or delete must be done with a custom query. My goal is to make it more like the desktop editors, but since I am the only developer it might take a while. But I am not saying it won't happen.
If telnet is failing to connect then there is a firewall rule blocking your IP. Three things could fix this.
1. Add your IP to the database allow list (talk to the DBA)
2. If you can connect to the network the DB is on via VPN then you should. The db might be restricted to local IP
3. Use the SSH features of SQLTool to connect to a server on the databases allow list
You were smart to try the telnet. I would have done the same thing.
Feel free to contact me here or through the tools site. I'm happy to help
nraboy said:
You were smart to try the telnet. I would have done the same thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahem, not that smart.....
forgot to specify sql type...... ooops
suggestion: don't allow save unless all req. stuff filled in...
OK, I seem to be in.
can I dump/backup with this app ?
thanks.
decent app, well done, wish you success in further development, if I can help in any way, happy to try
now I need to figure out how to dump this MS SQL into my Linux machine
abbots said:
ahem, not that smart.....
forgot to specify sql type...... ooops
suggestion: don't allow save unless all req. stuff filled in...
OK, I seem to be in.
can I dump/backup with this app ?
thanks.
decent app, well done, wish you success in further development, if I can help in any way, happy to try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice catch on the SQL Type. I will work to correct that.
For dump / backup are you referring to data or structure or both? Right now I have exporting DDL on my things to do list, but if you're referring to something else I'd like to hear it.
Thanks for the compliments on my app. I definitely want to hear more suggestions if you have them. Also please don't forget to rate well when you get a chance

Advice on the choice of querying a remote DB

Hello everyone,
I come to you for some advice about an application I'm developing for Android 1.6 and higher.
Specifically, this application must be able to query a remote MySQL database and display the retrieved data. It need also be able to UPDATE data on this databse and that is where things get complicated ...
For selection queries, I wrote a small PHP script on the remote server that retrieves the desired data in the database and encodes them in JSON. From my Android application, I have no problem to retrieve, process and display them.
Now I wonder about the solution (if there is one ...) to run UPDATE from my application on the remote database. For now, I see only two solutions:
- Develop a webService on the server with an update method. Several problems with that: it seems webServices on Android are not easy (not native, have to go through external libs). Moreover, as it's UPDATE query, I want to make sure nobody else can use this webService.
- Alternatively, write a PHP script that makes the UPDATE and call it via HTTP. Same problem as webService: I want to secure this call to be sure that only I can use this script. These scripts can be integrated into an application already present on my server and which is secured by login / password. So, if it is possible to manage PHP sessions from Android, it's won! but Ican't find anything about it ...
What do you think? Ideas?
Thx!

Proxy Settings

Hello
I hope I'm posting this in correct area!
I have several WM devices (6.1 and 6.5, Professional and Standard - e.g. Touch 2, Snap, Tytn2), connecting to an exchange server for mail, calendar etc, and they also go through a proxy server for web access .
I want to find an easy way to change proxy server settings on them all without having to go in and manually change proxy server IP address and Port. I've done some searching on here and web in general, and subsequently messed around with creating a CAB file, and an XML provisioning file but neither worked (I found some provider specific proxy settings in registry but maybe these are red herring?)
Then I realised my creations would probably never work anyway because they're unsigned apps which aren't allowed on devices connecting to my exchange server!
Am I missing an obvious and much easier method? Any ideas on best way to approach this?
Thanks in advance
Mantog
Very nice idea, but I don't know a solution.
Where are the IP-adresses stored?
If it works with registry settings, a cab file should be sufficent.
I'm trying to find a way to do this, but hopefully someone already has a solution.
playdo

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