[Q] Setting own alternative to Google Apps (e.g Docs, Calanda) - General Questions and Answers

Hi there,
Currently, I run my own email / web server and have done so for many years. I would like to store data in the 'cloud' (really a cool name for a server in a date centre), but my users and myself certainly do not trust Google with our data.
The Question
I would like to know if there is any server side software that can offer an equivalent to the account tie-in that is with the google accounts on the Android O/S.
The details
All devices would run CyanogenMod (a bunch of Nexus Ses), and as such would be devoid of Google apps like the Market. I notice on other Android devices, these can have an account integrated into the phone, and said phone can then use this account (typically a gmail address) to hook into the Google Docs, Google Calendar, Contacts and the Google Wiki: These are the types of programmes that I wish to run on our server, and link in with the account as I described afore.
Is there any software (paid or open source) already available that could do some of this?
Many thanks in advance.
Best regards.

forgetmyname said:
Hi there,
Currently, I run my own email / web server and have done so for many years. I would like to store data in the 'cloud' (really a cool name for a server in a date centre), but my users and myself certainly do not trust Google with our data.
The Question
I would like to know if there is any server side software that can offer an equivalent to the account tie-in that is with the google accounts on the Android O/S.
The details
All devices would run CyanogenMod (a bunch of Nexus Ses), and as such would be devoid of Google apps like the Market. I notice on other Android devices, these can have an account integrated into the phone, and said phone can then use this account (typically a gmail address) to hook into the Google Docs, Google Calendar, Contacts and the Google Wiki: These are the types of programmes that I wish to run on our server, and link in with the account as I described afore.
Is there any software (paid or open source) already available that could do some of this?
Many thanks in advance.
Best regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to modify the google apps really (closed source), so you would need to totally write it all from scratch...
But... what would you be wanting? Exchange sync via activesync gives you a calendar and mailbox with push via stock "Email" app.
I am a bit unsure what you are trying to do, but if you rent a VPS or dedicated server in a datacenter, and pay for Windows Server 2008/R2 on it, you could then buy Microsoft Exchange, or perhaps get Server SBS, and connect the devices to the Exchange server?
That would give you email and calendar support (both very good as well). Same for contacts - it syncs them. I am not aware of a "google wiki" you refer to though...

Hi,
Thank-you for your reply, especially during the week-end.
>There is no way to modify the google apps really (closed source), so you would need to totally write it all from scratch...
Modifying GoogleApps nor re-inventing the wheel is not my goal. I only want to add an account (I notice that one can integrate Facebook and Google within Android so maybe this is something I can explore).
>I am a bit unsure what you are trying to do, but if you rent a VPS or dedicated server in a datacenter, and pay for Windows Server 2008/R2 on it, you could then buy Microsoft Exchange, or perhaps get Server SBS, and connect the devices to the Exchange server?
We already have our own server(s) in a data centre.
Regarding for your Windows suggestion
Our Debian servers run postfix/dovecot/roundcube very well and with incredibly stability. These have run for nearly 1 year without the need for a single reboot other than for kernel patches. We have upgraded all aforementioned programmes during this time. (Although we'll move to Debian Squeeze soon which'll need a rebuild somewhere). No reason to move away from something so stable to Windows, and then have to pay for it.
Alternatives
I found OpenGoo (now known as Feng) as an alternative. It provides the equivalent of Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Google Docs among other things, although I am unsure how to integrate this into Android. Using a web based front end would be annoying for people I sent an Email to the Feng offices asking if there was any proposed Android integration.
Best wishes.

I did a little more digging, and there are other possibilities. However these will allrequire some method of integrating these with Android clients:
Ubuntu One's Eucalyptus server. These is an Android client for Ubuntu One, so hopefully this'll be available for Eucalyptus at some point.
http://www.ubuntu.com/partners/eucalyptus
project-lipsync
This offers some contacts and calendar sync using rsync over SSH. A simple solution, but a client has to be written for Android, which would be no more than a one button widget that syncs the sqlite dB back to the server for contacts and calendar. Perhaps a documents dir could be added. Still work in progress.
SparkleShare
Looks like there might be quite a bit of work in progress. Uses git for access.
http://www.sparkleshare.org/
https://github.com/SparkleShare/SparkleShare-Android

Related

Desktop synchronization of Android just like WM-phones

Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
arefin said:
Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Hopefully google would release a cloud based or an application that allows this, as it would make some lives a little easier.
2. I do not believe there is an app capable of this but it may be possible via bluetooth or use the desktop as an AP. Either way, i don't think you will get any better than you would off of wifi.
3. I found this off a quick search http://www.myhtcphone.com/import-contacts. Dont know if it works or not, but it seems to be like what you want.
1. use google calendar sync.
2. use adb port forwarding with proxy or vpn.
3. export your outlook contacts as csv and import them in gmail.
Not Really!
billc.cn said:
1. use google calendar sync.
2. use adb port forwarding with proxy or vpn.
3. export your outlook contacts as csv and import them in gmail.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google calender sync is at it says "for your calender only". No contacts. No idea why they can't just add it. Our lives would be so much easier.
I've had a friend report to me that Google has licensed the ActiveSync technology, so it may be added in a future build of the Android OS.
I believe that the "Hero" version that Haykuro is toying with currently also showed ActiveSync in one of the menus, but I can't vouch for that at the moment.
Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
TooSlo said:
I've had a friend report to me that Google has licensed the ActiveSync technology, so it may be added in a future build of the Android OS.
I believe that the "Hero" version that Haykuro is toying with currently also showed ActiveSync in one of the menus, but I can't vouch for that at the moment.
Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not ActiveSync, that's Microsoft's product. The new Hero build (as well as the stock Magic ROM) have a program called HTC Sync. I don't believe anyone has obtained a copy of the desktop software for that though.
it's two separate things.
google licensed activesync to allow ms exchange clients to sync with google calendar and gmail contacts (see http://www.google.com/mobile/winmo/sync.html). you already have this on android.
the ms exchange option appeared in the mail app can only connect to ms exchange servers (not your desktop activesync clients) and can do email only.
htc sync is the only possiblility. (m$ won't be stupid enough to allow you to use activesync on any other platform.)
Your ideas of sync are outdated on Android.
My phone address book syncs to my gmail account, and my email clients address book syncs to gmail. My phone calander syncs to Google Cal, and I find the web based interface to work just fine. But I am sure you can find something to sync whatever your cal program is to google.
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
You can import your contacts as a group into gmail, then set the phone to only display contacts from that group.
arefin said:
Hi friends,
Let me put these questions as simple as it can be -
1. is it possible for android to synchronize with the desktop computer
running Win XP?, if yes how? Wm phones can do it seamlessly using
MSActivesync.
2. is it possible to use the desktop's internet connection and browse
the web from the android? (just like WM-phones do with MS Activesync)
3. Is there a way to import all the Windows mobile contacts onto the
Android phone? NOT from google mail-account because I have different
contacts in my phone and gmail. And I would like to import my Phone
contacts onto Android.
THANKS to anyone who answers all/part of the queries.
arefin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as everyone else is surely noticing .. google syncs better than the mickeysoft mousesync stuff other people use .. you are automatically synced to the google server and from there you can do anything .. i pull my calendar into outlook or anything else i want .. so .. what was the question again?!?
If you have no 'net connex, 'the cloud' does 2 things: jack & shizzle.
I do, however, wish I could keep my contacts synced with GMail (after my initial .cvs port-over). GCalSync works very well, though!
-bZj
PorchG1 said:
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
PorchG1 said:
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ever heard of wireline? I guess you can't conceive of being in an environment without wifi or 3G, they do exist you know? Not to mention that it would be nice to not always have to broadcast everything you do into the ether.
Thanks to everyone who responded
PorchG1 said:
Your ideas of sync are outdated on Android.
My phone address book syncs to my gmail account, and my email clients address book syncs to gmail. My phone calander syncs to Google Cal, and I find the web based interface to work just fine. But I am sure you can find something to sync whatever your cal program is to google.
All this syncing happens when the phone is in my pocket and is always up to date.
As for browsing the web from the phone, over the usb connector, why? The phone has 3G and wifi.
You can import your contacts as a group into gmail, then set the phone to only display contacts from that group.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, many of the suggestions sounds good for me. I am guessing many of you r not on Windows anymore. My problem is there, I am still on Windows just becoz I play lot of games, install a lots of programs which are only possible on win-ground. I do streaming - didnt find lot of freedom in this area on other OSs.
btw, I will apply your ideas considering them expert opinions becoz OI am just a noob in such things.
Thanks friends,
gSyncit Sync the calander and contacts....
arefin said:
Yes, many of the suggestions sounds good for me. I am guessing many of you r not on Windows anymore. My problem is there, I am still on Windows just becoz I play lot of games, install a lots of programs which are only possible on win-ground. I do streaming - didnt find lot of freedom in this area on other OSs.
btw, I will apply your ideas considering them expert opinions becoz OI am just a noob in such things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that didn't make much sense .. "not on Windows" anymore .. my primary OS is Microsoft for the same reason that there is a lot more freedom
MartinFick said:
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you're not tied to Google. Android is made so that each of its apps can be replaced by a user-made app (of course, as with the lock screen, that's still in the process of being completed). There's a few calendar applications in the market that can do the same thing that the Google Calendar can. Or you could code your own/hire someone to do so.
I don't get G3. And Wifi is only at home. I am in Edge or GPRS most of the time. I was in GPRS when I typed that message. Syncing works just fine.
I can understand not wanting to trust your data to Google. Apps can read and write to the address book and cal. All somebody needs to do is make an on-line sync app.
After years of living with having to sync my palm, the "cloud" syncing Google provides is the next slice bread. But I do backup my phone, just in case.
I still don't see why you want to browse the web on your phone, wired to your laptop. Just use the laptop then. Or create an ad-hoc connection with ICS and do that over wireless.(Not tried it, but I assume it will work.)
MartinFick said:
That's great, but I don't want to be beholden to a corporation, especially not to a single corp using closed protocols. If kinda defeats the purpose of having an open source phone for some of us. A mechanism to sync to my home server (not desktop), would certainly be welcomed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it starts working for the Android, you could use Funambol (http://www.funambol.com/) on your PC and get both a cloud sync (if you so choose) and a desktop sync. I used to use it to sync my SE P990.
The last time I checked, it wasn't working, but maybe it's fixed now.
http://code.google.com/p/funambol/
PorchG1 said:
I still don't see why you want to browse the web on your phone, wired to your laptop. Just use the laptop then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't speak for the original poster, but I often want to download stuff to my phone, apps, data, ... This is not surfing so to speak, but it still requires a connection. Sometimes wireless is not available for this.
os2baba said:
When it starts working for the Android, you could use Funambol (http://www.funambol.com/) on your PC and get both a cloud sync (if you so choose) and a desktop sync.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, thanks, I am familiar with that project. Unfortunately I refuse to run a 500MB RAM gorilla (I tried it, it really does use 500MB) on my home server (I run at least 10 virtual servers on my one PC) just to provide a sync framework for one phone. I will not sacrifice that much from the other real server applications that I use. Funambol is really not a good (sane) solution for individuals. I will be investigating the syncevolution framework soon.

The perfect push mail solution, like BES.

IMO, what's really needed for these phones, and might even be on the cards with Google's licensing of the Exchange ActiveSync protocol, is a BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server)-like relay package.
A piece of software that sits on a computer or server (or the server) in the office, and stays logged into each of your user's Exchange mailboxes via MAPI, then syncs messages, calendar, contacts etc. realtime to the Google Mail / Gmail account.
Shouldn't be very hard to create, especially for those who have written apps like GsyncIT.
I believe there already is one such package, I found it a few days ago, can't remember the name - it has an M in it ( ), but it looked a bit pricey and like it was intended to do more than just Exchange -> Gmail (was a generic Cloud-sync package).
A fairly simple extension of something like GsyncIT I should think. The Exchange Information Store ACLs would be modified so that user "GoogleSyncAdmin" has Full Mailbox access to the mailboxes concerned, and the users would be mapped to GoogleMail accounts. Job done, proper push synchronisation on Android. The handsets would just be registered to a Gmail account.
The alternative, which may also be on the cards for the same reason, is that Google develop a BIS (Blackberry Internet Service)-like extension to Gmail, whereby Gmail stays logged into your Exchange Account via ExchangeActiveSync, and pulls changes down. This would require working EAS on the user's Exchange Server, and would require providing Exchange credentials to Gmail. I guess it'd be just like their current POP-downloading facility, but for Exchange, and hopefully including Calendar & Contacts sync.
I prefer the BES-like solution personally. No ports need to be opened on the user's Exchange server, you could run multiple Exchange servers behind a no-inbound firewall, and it's probably less troublesome overall. The BES-like package could also inject hidden instruction-messages that control features of the handset, IT policy, block downloads, wipe data etc.
Doing exchange->[beslike software]->gmail->phone would mean that any messages sent from the device would come from your gmail account though, not your exchange account.
Much better to have a true exchange client on the device, then it works both ways.
Deicist said:
Doing exchange->[beslike software]->gmail->phone would mean that any messages sent from the device would come from your gmail account though, not your exchange account.
Much better to have a true exchange client on the device, then it works both ways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they would just allow you to set Reply-To/From: just like they do with your other existing emails addresses at the moment.
I think this device rapidly needs Exchange/Activesync support, Office Documents and USB internet sharing for free and quick.
I am testing this device for our company and unless it can do these well and ideally free then its a non-starter for us.
This is the product I had seen: http://www.cemaphore.com/index.html
Lowest pricing is $325/yr for 5 users with the online service, which isn't so expensive, but annual pricing is a pain, and can't buy less than 5 users.
cemaphore is buggy.
Their client crashes constantly, and says mail is sent that never really was. Avoid or wait till it's more stable in later versions.

MobileMe???

Any way i can use MobileMe on android revolution?
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App
AFAIK you cant use MobileMe with Android at all......since, ya know, its an apple product
You can try to set the email as a POP/IMAP email, but I'm pretty sure that's all you can do.
***Here's what a google search found....
A program called SpanningSync will continually sync MobileMe and Google. Very easy to use and works very well. I can make appointments on my ipad and it updates my android phone just a minute or two later.
I believe the program costs about $50 but you can also do a free 15 day trial.
Hope that helps.
David.
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SMEStorage Service
Level 1
9/8/10
If you want to access / sync mobileme files on Android you can use SMEStorage (http://www.smestorage.com/?p=static&page=Android).
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Not really directly, but there it is possible if you are using a Mac (I don't use Windows, so not sure if there is any way to do this on a Windows box).
First, get K9 Mail for your email client. It's free and much better than the stock (non-Gmail) client. K9 works great with MobileMe including push email once it's properly set up.
For Calendar and Contacts, set iCal and Address Book to sync with Google Calendar and Google Contacts on your Mac. You have to do it on your Mac because as far as I know there's no way to set the web client to sync with Google services. Once you've done that, you can modify for calendar and contacts on either your phone or your Mac and they should stay in sync.
I don't use tasks or notes in either MobileMe or Google, so can't offer any wisdom on their use.
HTH.

[Q] Google oriented services?

Hi all,
I have been Android user for about 2-3 years and have own Google Apps domain and services.
I am really liking Nokia Lumia 800, one of reasons also is that I am Windows developer and using Windows Phone makes sense for me, as I can support Windows Phone as well.
What I am worried is how to use Google services on WP7.5. How do you sync contacts with Google Apps, IMAP emails, calendar? Most used services right now on my phone.
1. Is there a live contacts update as android? Or just plain CSV import/export?
2. IMAP? Works well with labes as well? I have around 40-50 labels for different companies
3. Calendar sync? Same as #1?
Or is this phone primarily aimed at MS services like exchange, skydrive and others and if I want to keep google apps I should just stick to android.
Thank you for your opinions.
From what I heard, Google users with windows phone don't have any problems with syncing, although the only drawback is that multiple calendars aren't support yet, but can be done by adding multiple Google accounts (seems pointless).
Since you are a windows developer, you can use your primary live ID to windows phone to use microsoft services, and add your google account with the stuff you already have such as contacts, calendar, email. For cloud storage, the default will obviously be skydrive (7GB).
About the first question, if you are talking about Google+, then no, windows phone only shows contact updates from twitter, facebook and linkedin.
Google mail, contacts, and calendar sync seamlessly with wp 7.5. Also govoice works perfect for Google voice. I've had NO issues bringing my Google services over as I develop for windows also. I have an HTC radar I use along with my SGSII. I also have been with Android since Android 1.5 and found using windows phone fun. Good luck with your decision.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using xda premium
Multiple calendars are supported
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1537814
WP7 comes with a built-in template for Google accounts. By default, these sync calendar, mail and contacts, and they all sync automatically in real-time (or on a polling schedule, if you're concerned about the battery usage).
I believe it actually uses Google's implementation of ActiveSync (like Exchange) since that handles the various features under one protocol. You can certainly use IMAP as well, if you want to for some reason. Note that under both IMAP and EAS, Gmail will pretend your labels are folders. You can sync multiple folders just fine, and pin specific folders for one-click access.
That said, Android definitely has better support for Google stuff, unsurprisingly. The hardware search button goes to Bing. The phone offers integration with SkyDrive but not Google Drive, and Sharepoint but not Google Docs (although you may be able to use Google Docs via the browser; I haven't tried). Google+ works in the browser but is completely absent from the integrated social networking features. There are many third-party apps that support Google Talk quite well, but only the Facebook and Live mesaging networks are built into the phone.
Thank you all for responses.
I dont really care for Google+, Google Talk would be good (someone pointed that there is app already for it).
So it means that if I delete contact on WP7.5 it will immediately actualize Google App servers and contacts will be deleted for all other devices as well, right? Same for calendar (I use only one, no problem).
Are there any things I should be aware of? Mass storare is not much problem, what about car navigation? alternative to google my tracks?
Thanks.
The OS has a built-in navigation feature, but it's... limited (some would say crippled). It won't tell you as a turn approaches, or where to go next in general, unless you tap the screen.
There are plenty of navigation apps, though. I am, however, unfamiliar with "my tracks" so I'm not sure cow that compares.
feronovak said:
Thank you all for responses.
I dont really care for Google+, Google Talk would be good (someone pointed that there is app already for it).
So it means that if I delete contact on WP7.5 it will immediately actualize Google App servers and contacts will be deleted for all other devices as well, right? Same for calendar (I use only one, no problem).
Are there any things I should be aware of? Mass storare is not much problem, what about car navigation? alternative to google my tracks?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, WP7 immediately (or atleast within a few minutes) updates your Google calendar and contacts.

Getting setup with Windows Phone

I have just got my Windows phone and I really like the interface I'm very impressed I must say.
I want to get it setup and everything integrated but don't really know what's the best way to start.
I plan on getting Windows 8 and using that as my main OS so would like to keep everything as in sync as possible.
Currently I have everything with Google. That's calendar, contacts and email (Through Google Apps).
I want my email instantaneously on my phone and for the calendar/contacts/email to sync wirelessly and effortlessness across my PC and phone. I will be using the Metro interface on Windows 8 for email/calendar/contacts most likely.
What's the best way to go about this? Do I need to move my services to Microsoft? Can I even get my own email domain with Windows Live?
Thanks for any replies.
WP7 and Win8 will both have the ability to sync with Google services, including Gmail and Google Calendar and such (for WP7, use the built-in Google account template; for Win8 you'll need to enable IMAP access to your Gmail account). However, to get the full value out of WP7, you'll need to have a Windows Live account too, as that's what it'll tie app purchases and such to.
Also, some features of WP7 will only sync properly with Microsoft (Windows Live) services. For example, "cloud" syncing of documents is done over SkyDrive. The phone's browser is moderately capable of handling Google Docs, but there's no built-in support for that service and while you could download the docs to read or edit on the phone, the browser doesn't support file uploading so you couldn't send them back.
I believe it's possible to get your own domain through Windows Live services, but you'll probably have to pay a little for it. I don't think Google gives away domain names for free either though, right?
I only seem to be getting about 12 hours battery life (light use), is there anyway to increase this? (I know I can't physically get more battery life - I was thinking more tips and tricks). My Phone is the Nokia Lumia 710.
It's probably best that I stick with Windows Live if I can then, for the best integration possible.
GoodDayToDie said:
I believe it's possible to get your own domain through Windows Live services, but you'll probably have to pay a little for it. I don't think Google gives away domain names for free either though, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I had to pay for my domain, but Google have Google Apps for free (so they manage my calendar, email, contacts, etc...)
Trust me. you definitely want to get a Windows Live account. They do have the option of making a windows live account out of your existing email, or you can just go ahead and make a new email. Google Docs is good, and all, but its not really supported on Windows phone, so you might want to check out your office hub and skydrive.
As far as your batter goes, if you are not using wifi/bluetooth/etc turn it off. Depending on what phone you have and the screen it has in it, having your background black or white can make a difference. Also set your screen brightness to automatic.

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