Business IT

Tech 101: ActiveSync explained in 60 seconds

By Anthony Caruana on Jun 7, 2012 12:48PM
Tech 101: ActiveSync explained in 60 seconds

Editor's Picks

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

5 essential digital transformation ideas

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Venom BlackBook Zero 15 Phantom

When launching the new Samsung Galaxy S III last week, Samsung noted ActiveSync as one of the phone’s features for business users. So what is ActiveSync?

What is ActiveSync?

ActiveSync is a communications system developed by Microsoft. Its purpose is to support synchronisation of information from one computer to another device. For example, if your business uses Microsoft Exchange for email and calendars, then ActiveSync lets you sync your email and calendars from a server to a smartphone or tablet.

ActiveSync was originally designed for syncing personal digital devices by direct connection to a computer but it now also works across a network so you can use WiFi or 3G connections to sync your smartphone or tablet with your company's email and calendar system.

What does it replace?

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest business tech news, reviews and guides delivered to your inbox.

I have read and accept the privacy policy and terms and conditions and by submitting my email address I agree to receive the Business IT newsletter and receive special offers on behalf of Business IT, nextmedia and its valued partners. We will not share your details with third parties.

Before ActiveSync, the only system that supported networked synching of email and calendars came from BlackBerry. Microsoft developed ActiveSync as a way of getting their handheld devices to synchronise with Exchange.

Today, Microsoft licenses ActiveSync to just about every mobile device maker.

How much does it cost?

ActiveSync doesn't cost you anything. It comes as part of Microsoft Exchange if you're in charge of setting up your company's email server and it's on most smartphone and tablet makers.

Where is it?

Chances are, it's already on your tablet or smartphone. To use it, all you need to do is create an email account on your device that links to a server that runs ActiveSync.

When launching the new Samsung Galaxy S III last week, for example, Samsung noted ActiveSync as one of the phone’s features for business users. That isn't all that special, although the way Samsung has implemented it is useful. If you receive an SMS or miss a call on your phone, this is sent to your email Inbox.

BIT’s advice:

The short answer is that ActiveSync is standard functionality for connecting to an email severs running Microsoft Exchange. If you're connecting to Google Apps or an ISP's POP/IMAP email server then ActiveSync won’t be such a big deal to you (other than the fact that Google Apps makes ActiveSync an option for portable devices connecting to Google Apps and Gmail accounts).

Copyright © BIT (Business IT). All rights reserved.
Tags:
activesync exchange galaxy s iii microsoft services what is activesync
By Anthony Caruana
Jun 7 2012
12:48PM
0 Comments

Related Articles

  • Why organisations don't realise the full value of Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft male-led group tells partners to hire more women
  • Microsoft's “PrintNightmare” patch doesn't fix issue, researchers say
  • Now is the time to turn grit to growth for SMBs
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Whatsapp Email A Friend

Most Read Articles

5 essential digital transformation ideas

5 essential digital transformation ideas

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

IoT Explained: What is the Internet of Things in Australia (June 2022)

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

Top 5 Benefits of Managed IT Services

How to manage payment risks and fraud in 2022

How to manage payment risks and fraud in 2022

Poll

What would you like to see more of on BiT?
News
Reviews
Features
How To's
Lollies
Photo Galleries
Videos
Opinion
View poll archive
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in any form without prior authorisation.
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of nextmedia's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.