36.1 Synchronization methods
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## 36.1 Synchronization methods

For synchronization of Kerio MailServer data with mobile devices, two methods can be applied:

1. Direct synchronization with the server.

2. Synchronization by using a desktop application installed on the workstation.

The methods can usually also be combined.

### Direct synchronization with Kerio MailServer

This synchronization method as well as its options and usage is addressed in chapter Support for ActiveSync.

This synchronization method does not require connection of the device to a desktop computer. The technology allows to connect over HTTP(S) ActiveSync protocol directly to the mailserver and synchronize mailbox folders with folders on the mobile device. On devices with an Internet connection, users can synchronize their data any time and, on newer devices, it is also possible to perform online synchronizations by using the DirectPush technology.

This synchronization method allows synchronization of the following folder types:

- mail folders,

- contacts (except Palm Treo 650),

- calendar,

- tasks — tasks synchronization is available only on devices with Windows Mobile 5.0 and later.

### Note

Appliance of the ActiveSync protocol in Kerio MailServer allows also synchronization of public and shared email folders (this rule applies only to devices with Windows Mobile operating systems).

The following parameters must be set for the direct synchronization with the server:

- The HTTP(S) service must be running in Kerio MailServer. For connections to the server from the Internet, it is necessary to enable an appropriate port (usually only for the HTTPS service) at the firewall behind which Kerio MailServer is running.

- It is necessary that network connection is set properly on the device.

- For connections via the HTTPS protocol (recommended for security reasons), it is necessary to have installed a trustworthy certificate (see chapter 36.4 SSL encryption).

- The configuration of the device must allow connection to Kerio MailServer. The configuration requirements depend on device:

  Windows Mobile

    In Windows Mobile systems, it is necessary to set the ActiveSync application so that it can connect to the server. The configuration may vary in different versions of Windows Mobile. On the device, open the ActiveSync application, find the Add Server Source item in the Menu (Windows Mobile 2005) or open the Server tab from the Tools menu (Windows Mobile 2003) and enter the Kerio MailServer's Internet name, user name and password for connection to the mailbox. These settings are focused in the Kerio MailServer 6, User's Guide. The linked page also includes simple instructions for configuration of the ActiveSync application (for all supported versions of Windows Mobile).

  Palm Treo 650, 680 and 700p

    On Palm Treo 650, synchronization with mailserver via ActiveSync is set in the Versa Mail mail client. In the account's configuration, it is necessary to set the Mail Service option to Exchange ActiveSync and enter Kerio MailServer's Internet name as well as login name and password for connection to the mailbox.

    For more detailed guidelines for password change, refer to Kerio MailServer 6, User's Guide.

  Nokia E-series

    Nokia Eseries and some of the Nokia Nseries mobile devices support the ActiveSync protocol if the Email For Exchange application (developed by Nokia) is installed on the device. Installation and configuration are addressed in the Kerio MailServer 6, User's Guide.

  Mobile devices with RoadSync

    The DataViz's RoadSync application allows synchronization of email, calendars and contacts over the ActiveSync protocol. The application and the mobile device's settings are focused at http://www.dataviz.com/.

  Apple iPhone 3G (OS X 2.0)

    Apple iPhone 3G requires an Exchange account which supports the ActiveSync 2.5 synchronization protocol.

    These settings are focused in the Kerio MailServer 6, User's Guide.

### Synchronization by the ActiveSync desktop application

This synchronization method is performed out of Kerio MailServer and its description can be found in ActiveSync user's guides and in device manuals.

### Warning

Settings described here apply only to Windows Mobile.

For successful data synchronization by using the ActiveSync desktop application, the following conditions must be met:

- The mobile device must include any version of the ActiveSync application (all supported versions of Windows Mobile operating systems include the application).

- MS Outlook is required on the user's desktop computer. It is necessary that an account connected to Kerio MailServer is created in MS Outlook (it is recommended to use a Kerio account extended with Kerio Outlook Connector since this allows also synchronization of Notes folders).

- The ActiveSync desktop application installed on the user's desktop computer is required.

Synchronization with the server via desktop applications is performed in a way that MS Outlook can access the data on the server (thanks to the connected and authenticated email account). MS Outlook is synchronized along with the ActiveSync desktop application while the desktop application can be synchronized with the device upon a connection. The process also works the other way round. After a successful connection, new data is synchronized via the ActiveSync desktop application with MS Outlook. This client applies the data in Kerio MailServer folders.

One of the advantages of synchronization via MS Outlook and the desktop application is the possibility to synchronize all folder types stored at the server (including tasks and notes in any device versions).

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Chapter 36 Support for ActiveSync | Contents | 36.2 Supported versions of ActiveSync and mobile devices