ActiveSync F.A.Q.'s

What types of data can be synchronized by using Exchange ActiveSync?

Exchange ActiveSync enables you to synchronize your e-mail messages, calendar, and contacts lists in your Exchange Server 2003 mailbox with a Microsoft Windows Mobile powered device.

What types of mobile devices can be used together with Exchange ActiveSync?

You can use the following mobile devices with Exchange ActiveSync:

Phones that are running Windows Mobile® 2002, Windows Mobile® 2003, or Windows Mobile® 5.0 software for smartphones
Pocket PCs and Pocket PC phones that are running Windows Mobile® 2002, Windows Mobile® 2003, or Windows Mobile® 5.0 software
Other mobile devices that are compatible with Exchange ActiveSync

Note:

Can I synchronize my e-mail, calendar, and contacts with my desktop by using Exchange ActiveSync?

Exchange ActiveSync is a server-side technology that lets Exchange ActiveSync-enabled devices synchronize mailbox items through a wireless connection without using a desktop computer, cradle, and desktop synchronization software.

You can also synchronize your mobile device with the Exchange server by using the desktop pass-through option that is present in all Windows Mobile powered devices. Desktop pass-through lets your cradled device use the desktop computer's Internet connection to connect to Exchange ActiveSync. You can then perform tasks such as browsing the Internet or downloading IMAP4 or Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) e-mail messages.

After Exchange ActiveSync creates a connection and a partnership between the device and the desktop computer, by default desktop pass-through is enabled, even if the desktop is locked or protected by using a password.

Can I synchronize other folders in addition to the Inbox?

After you synchronize your Inbox for the first time, you can select other folders in your mailbox for synchronization. You can configure synchronization of your Inbox and other folders by using Exchange ActiveSync on your desktop or mobile device.

Can I schedule synchronization?

Synchronization can be scheduled. Windows Mobile devices provide many scheduling options. You can configure different synchronization schedules whether or not you are connected to your computer. By using Exchange ActiveSync, you can schedule synchronization of your device on two separate schedules—peak or off-peak times. Custom scheduled synchronization gives you control of when and how frequently you update your data (Figure 1). You can use the peak times schedule to synchronize during working hours or other times that you experience high mail volumes. Use the off-peak schedule to synchronize during times when you experience low mail volumes.

Figure 1 Examples of custom scheduling synchronization

Pocket PC Phone Edition devices or smartphones that are running Windows Mobile 2003, Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, and Windows Mobile 5 can receive up-to-date notifications. Up-to-date notifications generated by Exchange Server 2003 initiate Exchange ActiveSync synchronization between a user's device and their Exchange mailbox.

What is Direct Push?

Direct Push is a notification feature in Exchange Server 2003 Service Pack 2 that improves the user experience for users who have a Pocket PC or smartphone. This feature is available on Pocket PCs and smartphones that are running Windows Mobile 5.0 and the Messaging and Security Feature Pack (MSFP). By default, Direct Push is installed on Exchange Server 2003 SP2. Mobile devices that support Direct Push issue an HTTPS request to the Exchange server that asks Exchange Server to report any new or changed e-mail messages, calendar, contact, and task items. If changes occur within the lifespan of the HTTPS request, the Exchange server issues a response to the device that includes which folders have new or changed items. The device then issues a synchronization request to the server. After synchronization is complete, a new HTTPS request is generated to re-start the process. This ensures that the mobile device is always synchronized with the Exchange server.

If I disable folders to be synchronized, will those folders be deleted from the Exchange server?

No. When you disable synchronization for any folder on your mobile device, only the data that is stored on the device is deleted. Data stored on the Exchange Server computer remains intact.

If you disable the synchronization of a folder on your mobile device, ActiveSync prompts you with the following message:All e-mail synchronized to your device using ActiveSync must be removed to proceed. Select OK to continue.

You can then confirm that you want to disable synchronization of the folder.

When I synchronize my e-mail, can I synchronize only the e-mail header information?

If you want to conserve storage space on your device, you can synchronize only the e-mail header information. Exchange ActiveSync enables you to modify several Inbox synchronization settings. For more information about how to configure your Inbox synchronization settings, see the Exchange ActiveSync Help.

Can I change the setting to include the message body for existing and new messages?

Yes. After you synchronize the header information the first time, you can clear the Inbox option, synchronize your device, and then select Inbox again. This deletes existing messages on your device. When you synchronize again, messages will include the message body.

How can I control which users have access to Exchange ActiveSync?

By default, all users are enabled for Exchange ActiveSync. An Exchange Server administrator can globally disable Exchange ActiveSync for all users in Exchange System Manager by using theMobile Settings option under Global Settings. You can also enable or disable individual users by using Active Directory Users and Computers.

Can Exchange ActiveSync be used in a single server environment where forms-based authentication is enabled?

Yes. However, when you use Exchange ActiveSync to access an Exchange Server 2003 computer that has forms-based authentication enabled, you may receive a server synchronization error. For more information about the Exchange ActiveSync error that occurs when forms-based authentication is enabled, see Exchange ActiveSync and Outlook Mobile Access errors occur when SSL or forms-based authentication is required for Exchange Server 2003

Does Exchange ActiveSync require SSL authentication?

It depends on the device. Windows Mobile 2002 powered devices connect over Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Windows Mobile 2003 powered devices do not require SSL. However, it is strongly recommended that you use SSL to protect your data and credentials. To enable SSL authentication on Windows Mobile 2003 powered devices, in the ActiveSync Server Synchronization settings, select the This server uses an SSL connection option.

What is ActiveSync?

ActiveSync is a software application that allows you to synchronize information between your local Outlook client and your mobile device. Normally, a local ActiveSync software CD is included when you buy your communication device.

ActiveSync, when connected to the PC, will sync with the PC's Outlook, which synchronizes with the Exchange server. When the mobile device is NOT connected to the PC, but DOES have wireless Internet access, then the device CAN connect to the Exchange Server directly to sync.

Furthermore, ActiveSync is integrated into Exchange server 2003, so that you have the option of directly synchronizing information between your mobile device and the exchange mailbox, if you happen to be on the road for example and do not have access to a PC.

Hosted Exchange

ActiveSync F.A.Q.'s