ActiveSync Overview (Windows CE 5.0)

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Microsoft ActiveSync provides support for synchronizing data between a Windows-based desktop computer and Windows CE–based devices. Using time stamps and user preferences, the synchronization process tracks data changes on both computers, then transfers the appropriate data so that each machine has the most-recent versions. Outdated or unwanted data is discarded. Windows CE 5.0 provides support for ActiveSync version 3.5 through version 3.7.1.

The following types of information can be synchronized between a desktop computer and Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs. In addition, time and proxy settings on the desktop computer are applied to the devices.

  • Tasks
  • Calendars
  • Contacts
  • Favorites
  • Files
  • Inbox
  • Notes
  • SMS Messages
  • Pictures
  • Access Mobile (was Pocket Access) data
  • AvantGo Web sites

ActiveSync supports serial, USB, infrared, modem, and Ethernet connections.

**Note   **ActiveSync does not support synchronization between Windows CE-based devices.

ActiveSync supplies this functionality for the Windows CE–based device:

  • Backing up and restoring device data.
  • Installing and removing programs.

ActiveSync supports the following interactions between the desktop computer and the Windows CE–based device. This functionality is implemented by user-written code (service providers) that runs within the ActiveSync framework:

  • Data synchronization.
  • File conversion between the desktop computer and Windows CE-based device formats.
  • Importing and exporting database tables.
  • Preparing the desktop for remote connections.

When implementing data synchronization, it is important to note that when you want to synchronize a data record that has multiple properties, the data type of each property value must be unique.

ActiveSync supports the option of maintaining connection with a single desktop computer without staying in synchronization with the computer. When a user chooses this option, ActiveSync cannot connect and synchronize with a second desktop computer until the user terminates the connection to the first computer.

ActiveSync is built on a client/server architecture that consists of a service manager (the server) and a service provider (the client):

  • The service manager is a synchronization engine built into ActiveSync; it resides on both the desktop computer and the Windows CE–based device. It performs those tasks common to all synchronization — establishing a connection, detecting data changes, resolving conflicts, mapping and transferring data objects. It and related software are shipped with Windows CE.
  • The service provider determines which data is tracked for changes by the service manager. It consists of two pieces written by developers — the desktop provider on the desktop and the device provider on the target device — that perform the synchronization tasks specific to your data. Microsoft provides service managers for several standard Windows applications.

The following illustration shows how the service manager interfaces with the service provider to access data.

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Downloading ActiveSync

Desktop ActiveSync 4.1 will be available for download soon. To download the latest version, see the Windows Mobile download page.

Configuring Exchange ActiveSync

ActiveSync can be configured to synchronize with a desktop computer or with a Microsoft Exchange server. The behavior of Exchange ActiveSync varies depending on the way your Exchange Server is configured. For more information on configuring Exchange ActiveSync, see Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 on Microsoft TechNet.

See Also

ActiveSync | ActiveSync Registry Settings

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