Database Info

Google or Live Sync (or something)

Hi,
I am currently with a company that has an exchange server and I use it to sync with my phone. However, I am moving to another company that doesn't. I am therefore forwarding email into a gmail account until I sort myself out and can filter my email into another account for mobile use.
I am after software that allows me to sync in a exchange kind of way. I don't mind paying for the software, but I do not really wish to pay a service charge as they usually seem a little expensive imho.
I have looked at windows live (10.6.0034.0800), but the contacts and calendar don't seem to sync properly, so I might as well use imap to collect email, and Google doesn't currently seem to have a WM client.
Any ideas or suggestions welcome.
Cavey

It's not software per se but check out mail2web, they will offer you the full ActiveSync OTA experience for free. Just forward everything to this account and they push it to the phone. Sign up for the free live account. This will give you OTA sync of mail, contacts, calendars and tasks.

Android and Syncing...

My wife and I are swtiching to Android devices (EVO me, Hero or Moment for her), I wanted to setup the sync as follows for the calendar. I am not to worried about the email as she can just do POP for now.
We both use Outlook on our computers setup like this:
She is just connecting to POP mail
Mine is my company mail (via the DAMO LotusNotes Connect)
Both view shared google calendar in outlook
I don't have a clue how to setup the sync, what I would like is:
I would have to sync my work calendar via wire (HTC Sync) or LN Traveler for OTA (they already added me to the server)
I could sync the Google shared calendar OTA
She could sync the Google calendar OTA
The part I want to make sure of is I was trying this with my windows mobile phone and I could wire sync my work calendar and see google calendar in outlook. But as soon as I added to sync to the Google Calendar OTA via ActiveSync, it pushed all my work appointments up to the google calendar. I wanted to keep the google calendar just the family stuff (you know running the kids around)...
Thanks for any and all help, It was pretty easy when it was just me, adding her to the mix will make things better in the long run, just have to figure out how to do it!

I've got a Hero which can sync with Google and with my office calendar/email which runs on MS Exchange. The phone successfully keeps them entirely separate. I can change one or the other, sync OTA, and the each calendar continues to contain only the appointments it's meant to. I realise you aren't going to be using MS Exchange, but if Sense (HTC's customised version of Android) knows how to keep Google and Exchange calendars separate, it should be able to do the same for anything else. Furthermore, it knew how to have a separate 'Outlook' calendar when I tried syncing via USB and ActiveSync. I didn't experiment much with that as I stopped using it as soon as I got OTA syncing to work with the Exchange server, but it considering that it recognised it as a separate calendar in its list, it should still do what you want.
Another option for you may be to completely swap away from Outlook and use Thunderbird. That knows how to sync to Google calendars and address book, but I don't know if your DAMO LotusNotes Connect system will work with it. Both these features are done with plugins, so it's possible that there's also a plugin for your work's system. Thunderbird also handles IMAP messaging better than Outlook; at least, better than Outlook 2003 did. I mention IMAP because your wife will have to stop using POP if she wants to be able to read her emails both on her computer and on her phone - POP isn't designed to have multiple computers accessing the same email account. It wants to download emails off the server and delete the remote copy; you can make it just download them, but I don't think it would then know to mark them as read or unread.

Thanks, sounds like I will have to do some playing.. We are using Outlook 2010 and it is the best update for some time. I have my kids and mother-in-law on Thunderbird, just not us.
You can setup Pop to leave messages for X days unless deleted, this is how I have been running for my one pop account, it works fine but yes you get some dups, not a big deal.
I have thought for some time about making my linux server my mail server as well, heck, I think I could link that to whatever accounts I desire then have it do the push mail, that would be an interesting setup...
Again, thanks, sounds like we have some playing but it should work fine.

tschwenke said:
Thanks, sounds like I will have to do some playing.. We are using Outlook 2010 and it is the best update for some time. I have my kids and mother-in-law on Thunderbird, just not us.
You can setup Pop to leave messages for X days unless deleted, this is how I have been running for my one pop account, it works fine but yes you get some dups, not a big deal.
I have thought for some time about making my linux server my mail server as well, heck, I think I could link that to whatever accounts I desire then have it do the push mail, that would be an interesting setup...
Again, thanks, sounds like we have some playing but it should work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have just pruchased a nexus one and getting it next week. I am wondering will it automatically sync my contacts and mail from outlook 2010 or do I need some sort of additional software on my win 7 PC to do this?
Thanks in advance...

Good (WiFi/3G) Outlook Sync APP, does it exist?

I don't use Outlook but my dad does. As his android tech advisor I am at a loss trying to find a good solution for syncing his Outlook to his phone.
It seems like there would be a good solution for this but everything I've found is either a half-baked email-and-contacts-only job and requires paying for Exchange service (paying for apps or Exchange service is not a problem if it works well, but the reviews are not favorable)
If a good reliable Outlook sync option does not currently exist what would be involved in making one?

I don't understand the need to sync with outlook when one can sync with Google automatically.

The htc sync software syncs with outlook. It comes with new phones on the sd card or can be downloaded from the htc site.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

[email protected] said:
I don't understand the need to sync with outlook when one can sync with Google automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand your point. It sounds like you're suggesting he stop using outlook and switch to google for email, contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, etc.
He uses Outlook (as many people do) and does not see google as a comparable alternative.
While it works fine as the account he uses to manage the phone he has no intention of migrating away from Outlook, at least not to Google, not for such business critical purposes.
johncjenc said:
The htc sync software syncs with outlook. It comes with new phones on the sd card or can be downloaded from the htc site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I edited the thread title..

nebenezer said:
I don't understand your point. It sounds like you're suggesting he stop using outlook and switch to google for email, contacts, calendar, notes, tasks, etc.
He uses Outlook (as many people do) and does not see google as a comparable alternative.
While it works fine as the account he uses to manage the phone he has no intention of migrating away from Outlook, at least not to Google, not for such business critical purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what he was trying to say is that you can use Google Sync to sync between Outlook & your android phone via Google's cloud. Something that I do as well. But it may not be as in depth as you're seeking.
Here is an article from PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/article/200654/sync_outlook_with_your_google_calendar.html
For a paid app that does it all, here's a review of an app in the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071504701.html

Hey Nebenezer,
I realize this may be a bit late for you but maybe better late than never.
I'm in the same boat as you (advisor to my brother).
I found and tested Deja Office by Companionlink (Companionlink USB @ $39.99 - did not see need for pro @$99.99.)
After testing it a bit it looked like it fit the bill. I put my brother on it and he's used it thru the trial well enough and so bought it. I think it's about 3 weeks now. He's happy with it.
I didn't have the same need to stay with outlook but since I tested these are the main points I noted:
Requires using their own suite of apps on the phone
Does not use the stock phone's DBs
DOES sync contacts [optionally] with the phones contacts
NOT SURE if it syncs CALENDAR to phone's calendar (I suspect it does but I didn't test and my brother does not need/want it)
It's up to the user to make sure contacts/calendar dont get sucked into the google cloud (if you don't wan't that as in my brother's case) as a result of syncing with the phone's contacts/calendar
USB cable sync (not wifi as you asked for)
The using of their own apps (which are really a suite in one app so has it's own "launcher" screen) turns out to be less of a pain in the ass than I thought it would be (I found shortcuts to each individual 'app' so no need to deal w/ their 'launcher' screen). My brother does not find it bothersome at all.
The apps also hove a bit more of an Outlook-centric feel and fields mapping so he liked it (you can see the android apps, btw, for free from the Market - search Deja Office - you only pay for the PC Sync side)
I should note that my brother spends most of his time in Outlook on the the desktop rather than on the phone (my usage pattern is the inverse) so let your dad use it and decide if he likes it. As always, ymmv.
Hope that helps you and your dad. It's at least worth giving a look.
Btw, I forgot to mention, it does NOT deal w/ email. Only Contacts, Calendar, Tasks and Notes. I liked that model because email can be easily handled using IMAP or Gmail (which my brother uses) and so no requirement for Exchange.
Conversely, it does not support Exchange iirc, so Exchange users my need a different solution.
hth someone,
J.

[Q] Syncing Outlook contacts and calendar to WP7

Hi, I'm new around here as a new WP7 user, I'm trying to get some advice. I have all of my contacts and calendar entries synced to Outlook. I have Zune software installed. I may just be missing something simple, but how do I get the phone to sync with Outlook and grab these contacts and calendar entries?
Many thanks
Michael.

Bad news. It does not sync with Outlook (only Exchange version) with a pst file.
11 page thread below re this.

What? Windows phone do not sync with outlook? Are they killing each other...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Hi
It is possible - just get the Outlok connector to sync Outlook to Windows Live, and then Windows Live will sync to the WP7 (over the air).
Paul

I'm shocked that it can't just sync directly with Outlook
Anyway, I did put my Windows Live ID onto the phone, but that then synced all of my MSN contacts to the phone book, which I don't want. I couldn't find a way to stop it syncing my MSN contacts, and as you cannot delete the account once entered, I had to format the phone and start over.
So it looks like I'm going to need a whole new Windows Live account just to sync my Outlook contacts and calendar. Looking at the Outlook connector it seems to be saying that it'll transfer your Live contacts and calendar to Outlook, but what I'm wanting is the other way around, my Outlook calendar and contact to transfer to Live. How do you do this?
Many thanks
Michael.

Ok - firstly Windows Live isn't the only way to sync contacts/calendar on to your phone OTA. There is Exchange, gmail etc to do this. You might want to look at the other methods.
I for one didn't want to use Live at all and went for an hosted Exchange option till I can get my own server sorted (overkill I know). However, hosted Exchange costs about £4 pm.If you have your own domain, even sweeter.
So I still use Outlook (I'm lucky I have 2010 so can have 2 excahnge accounts on 1 profile) to keep all my work and home calendar and contacts in sync with my phone and this also translates to home desktops and laptops automatically too. This is as easy as drgging and dropping between accounts.

chubnut said:
Ok - firstly Windows Live isn't the only way to sync contacts/calendar on to your phone OTA. There is Exchange, gmail etc to do this. You might want to look at the other methods.
I for one didn't want to use Live at all and went for an hosted Exchange option till I can get my own server sorted (overkill I know). However, hosted Exchange costs about £4 pm.If you have your own domain, even sweeter.
So I still use Outlook (I'm lucky I have 2010 so can have 2 excahnge accounts on 1 profile) to keep all my work and home calendar and contacts in sync with my phone and this also translates to home desktops and laptops automatically too. This is as easy as drgging and dropping between accounts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I have to sync with Outlook OTA, what I really want is a solution that works the same as MobileMe, i.e., it automatically keeps all the data between the phone and Outlook in sync without the need to perform manual syncs. Is this possible?

the usual send/recieve in outlook will connect to your live account also and onto your phone why pay £4pm when this kinda thing should be included, I'm sure MS will get off their arse soon and do some updates and tweaking.

jedix said:
the usual send/recieve in outlook will connect to your live account also and onto your phone why pay £4pm when this kinda thing should be included, I'm sure MS will get off their arse soon and do some updates and tweaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are right MS need to sort this out but I doubt it's a priority. They consider the whole Outlook thing to be a business solution and by their very own words are a secondary concern for this OS at the moment. They want the simple masses not the business/power users. They want that massive chunk of iPhone and Android drones to come over to WP.
There is no way I want my business and personal contacts and calendar on Live. That **** gets hacked all the time. The hosted exchange solution was the safest and easiest solution for me at present. It's quick and easy to set up, secure as it's a business solution and employs security protocols way above those on Live. In addition the OTA synchronisation between the device and all other machines that use that exchange account (so those at home and my PC at work) is instantaneous, and yes a bit of a pain to do the drag and drop between the exchange accounts but it's EXACTLY the same as you will have to do if you use Live and the Outlook connector. £4pm is in my opinion not a high price to pay for to satisfy my concerns.

Hmmm, so what r the options ?
Desktop synching is critical to me.
I've got a small business, we don't run Exchange server but have invested serious time to standardise on Outlook/Office: contacts, tasks, notes, onenote, email client, word/excel.
Contacts and detailed contact info is our IP; Word/Excel data is client confidential. Placing this on someone else's drive in the cloud isn't an option.
From what I understand so far...
1. Phone 7: data on the cloud; doesn't sync (manual updates)
2. Android: data on the cloud; synchs email and contacts only (?)
3. Apple: data on the desktop, synchs email and contacts only
4. Symbian: ugh !
5. WM6.x: currently trying to get away from the endless problems and snail-like performance
Is this right ?
Does anyone have an alternative (other than implementing Exchange)?
(Waiting doesn’t seem an option either. I'm sceptical MS will introduce desktop synching anytime soon, or at all: social users won't care and Exchange synch takes care of corporates - hence 80% of potential market is catered for. Also, the prospect of selling cloud storage has put a light in way too many eyes. )

mrochester said:
If I have to sync with Outlook OTA, what I really want is a solution that works the same as MobileMe, i.e., it automatically keeps all the data between the phone and Outlook in sync without the need to perform manual syncs. Is this possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Live uses Exchange ActiveSync. That is far superior to MobileMe. Do people still use MobileMe?
Anyways...
Exchange also uses ActiveSync.
Exchange is supported Natively in Outlook. Windows Live is supported via the Connector (Mail, Contacts, Calendar).
Everything stays in Sync.

jedix said:
the usual send/recieve in outlook will connect to your live account also and onto your phone why pay £4pm when this kinda thing should be included, I'm sure MS will get off their arse soon and do some updates and tweaking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Outlook Connector and Hotmail ActiveSync is completely free.
Don't spread lies.

I'm not totally of-fay with Android or iPhone so can't really comment except I think that iPhones also do calendar from Outlook desktop via iTunes (and correct me if I'm wrong OTA with exchange).
Also with Android, some guys at work do use desktop sync to Outlook but I don't know what and how but they do use it.
I just came off the WinMo 6.5 bandwagon so I know what it was capable of not mater how bad.
WP7, my company won't open up the ports to allow Exchange to sync (they like SlackBerries) and with the absence desktop sync I had to implement my own methods for OTA syncing without using Live. None of this is ideal but it seems from other forums that a lot of people are complaining about this and M$ I believe are listening, though when it will be sorted is another matter.
Sorry

dfh said:
what I understand so far...
1. Phone 7: data on the cloud; doesn't sync (manual updates)
2. Android: data on the cloud; synchs email and contacts only (?)
3. Apple: data on the desktop, synchs email and contacts only
4. Symbian: ugh !
5. WM6.x: currently trying to get away from the endless problems and snail-like performance
Is this right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't understand... No, it is not correct.
1. Data on the cloud. Synchs automatically:
Of course your email, calendar, and contact list shows up from Hotmail, powered by Exchange ActiveSync. And because the phone supports multiple ActiveSync connections, you can connect to your Exchange server at work and view all of your mail, both calendars, and your entire contact list on your phone. And similar to Hotmail on the web, it’s really easy to make quick edits to Office documents you receive as email attachments and reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reference: http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_...0/10/11/windows-live-and-windows-phone-7.aspx
2. Android Synchs Calendars from Google Servers. Google on Android has weaker (i.e. less tight) integration than Windows Live on Windows Phone 7, though.
3. MobileMe is inferior to both the WP7/Live and Android/Google integration. It supports ActiveSync, however.
4. Symbian supports ActiveSync. Symbian may not look that great but feature for feature it can match or rival most other smartphone OSes. The UI is what has held Symbian back, not the core platform - which is great.
5. WM6.x Supports ActiveSync and there is Windows Live for Windows Mobile to Sync Winodws Live Mail and Contacts to the phone. It can also merge Live Contacts with already-existing Phone contacts and show Presence information. There is Microsoft Office 2010 Mobile for Windows Mobile 6.5. The only WinMo phone I'd bother using is an HD2 these days, but that device has its own problems (if you get a "good one", then you're good to go, though).
On WinMo 6.5 You can sync your Hotmail Contacts/Mail via Windows Live for Windows Mobile, chat with Windows Live Messenger Mobile, and get your Google Mail, Contacts, and Calendar via ActiveSync by way of Google Sync.
Does anyone have an alternative (other than implementing Exchange)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can get a Blackberry and use BIS/BES.
(Waiting doesn’t seem an option either. I'm sceptical MS will introduce desktop synching anytime soon, or at all: social users won't care and Exchange synch takes care of corporates - hence 80% of potential market is catered for. Also, the prospect of selling cloud storage has put a light in way too many eyes. )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Desktop Syncing is a feature being fantastically overstated in these forums, just like stuff like a File manager. If you're a Lemming then just get an Android phone and use Google Services. If you can make your own decisions I think I've cleared up enough of your misconceptions in this reply (or at least given you the capabilities of each platform IRT what info syncs that may pretain to you specific use case).
EDIT: If you're running a business you can do yourself a favor and oursource your Exchange hosting. For example: http://www.apps4rent.com/ has 6-7GB mailboxes for something like $7.99/mo and you can get just 1 mailbox if you want, with no contract or anything. I used them for a couple of years, so I can vouch for them. You get Outlook for free with you Plan (or Entourage/Outlook for Mac) and ActiveSync is a free Add-On. You can access from web browsers using OWA, and use either a sub-domain or your own domain.

See this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=797472

I'm pretty sure anyone reading this thread has seen that trainwreck of a thread. You don't need to crosspost the link here. You're free to bump your thread.

Pretty sure
I'm very sure that you do not use Outlook on a stand alone PC with a pst file and sync every day with a Win Phone or you would understand what we are all talking about. No I qualify, sync every day with Calender, Tasks, & Contacts.[/I]

Just for those who have read this thread and are confused; I have an outlook calendar, contacts, and hotmail all synced up with my WP7 device.
Calendar - I chose to install Google Calendar Sync onto my Outlook PC. It automatically syncs my local outlook calendar with the cloud every 10 mins. Google calendar then pushes any changes to my phone instantly, no wires.
Contacts - I chose to install the hotmail connector for outlook, and dragged all my contacts out of their folder and into the hotmail account. this pushed them onto the phone automatically, no wires. Any changes to contacts are now made either on the phone directly, or in the new contacts folder created by the hotmail connector.
Hotmail - I used to use the POP3 account settings, but decided to change to using the outlook connector instead. Works a treat. Push Email is far superior to clunky old send/receive schedules.
The above may not suit everone, but it works for me and I`m very happy with the results.

@N8ter
No, desktop sync and file manager is not oversized.
It's basics which should be provided

Funny how people were moaning about WM6.5's lack of wireless sync with Outlook. Now that WP7 syncs wirelessly with Outlook, people are moaning that it doesn't sync over wired USB.
Some people will never be happy. *shrug*

Outlook Syncing On Your Infuse...

Anyone out there use Companionlink/DejaOffice to sync their Outlook contact, calendar, notes and task to the Infuse?
Coming from years on Windows Mobile, I felt like I couldn't live without it as I like to do my planning on Outlook 2010 but now and then, I need to do it on my phone.
While far from perfect, Companionlink/DejaOffice does a good job...the latest update to DejaOffice seems a little quirky though...the sync progress goes away after 10 seconds and you can only see the progress on the PC.

I'm sorry I can' help you with Outlook. I'm just surprised anybody does this anymore. There are so many web-based / network-based solutions to choose from:
Google (the one built right into your phone)
Windows Live
Yahoo
Sync with your work Exchange server
Etc.
Now that you aren't on Windows Mobile anymore, you might want to consider this as being a great time to move to one of the aforementioned options.

My company blocked all non-company owned devices from using web synch since it was too easy to bypass the remote wipe and password requirements.
The only way to synch is by using Outlook on my home PC that connects into my Work account. Of course I have not tried that with an Android device yet, just used to be able to do it with WM devices.
tankmorph said:
I'm sorry I can' help you with Outlook. I'm just surprised anybody does this anymore. There are so many web-based / network-based solutions to choose from:
Google (the one built right into your phone)
Windows Live
Yahoo
Sync with your work Exchange server
Etc.
Now that you aren't on Windows Mobile anymore, you might want to consider this as being a great time to move to one of the aforementioned options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

the_nite_owl said:
My company blocked all non-company owned devices from using web synch since it was too easy to bypass the remote wipe and password requirements.
The only way to synch is by using Outlook on my home PC that connects into my Work account. Of course I have not tried that with an Android device yet, just used to be able to do it with WM devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, CompanionLink/DejaOffice works pretty good...a little quirky and needs some adjustment but it works quite well...you still have to pay $40.00 for CompanionLink but it was worth it...not ready yet to NOT sync with Outlook...

I hear ya, the contacts are one thing but not having my calendar is a PITA.
garak0410 said:
Well, CompanionLink/DejaOffice works pretty good...a little quirky and needs some adjustment but it works quite well...you still have to pay $40.00 for CompanionLink but it was worth it...not ready yet to NOT sync with Outlook...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

That's unfortunate your company blocks the use of non-company devices to sync. I guess it depends on how strict the IT dept policies are. I'm lucky. I have my work exchange email, contacts and calendar with me all the time. I just use the built in email app.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk

I am using android sync. It is just usb sync though. You have to connect to sync.
http://www.android-sync.com/

I just got the InFuse and I downloaded the trial version of Touchdown app for Exchange. You should give it a try it is free to try and I really like this app. It syncs everything over the air and downloaded every single folder I have plus all the emails in them. I think for the corporate user this is THE app for email syncing.

Touchdown is very good...I don't do exchange at home so CompanionLink is the way to go for me to sync my Outlook contacts, tasks and notes.

I have been using Touchdown for a year it so, but yesterday I gave Moxier Email a try, and though it misses a few tricks Touchdown has, the UI and overall feeling is newer and more polished.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using XDA Premium App

So before I buy an infuse.
I currently use a tilt2 with windows mobile, and active sync software.
For my work, I cannot live without exchange server access to my:
email (use outlook on the laptop but it all comes from the exchange server)
calender: exchange server
contacts: exchange server
tasks: exchange server
I'm able to access emails, attachments, forward, reply, etc. I'm able to modify conference meeting times, and send updates from exchange to all participants. I'm able to schedule new meetings and invite attendees on the work exchange/network from my work/exchange contacts, etc, etc, etc.
I'm basically able to do everything I would do from my laptop on my phone, but with a smaller screen and keyboard.
Again I need to have all the same options that I have within outlook on my PC with email/calender/contact functions and exchange access.
Before I dive into an infuse, is this possible via the included software? or touchdown?
or do you have experiences that would lead you do suggest a different software, or a different phone all together?
I may have to wait to see if ATT will carry the HTC Titan since that will have a windows OS, but if the infuse will work well I may take the plunge sooner and wait for LTE devices to take hold for another couple years.
Thanks for any insight!!!