FirstClass and Mobile Devices
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FirstClass supports mobile devices via syncing, apps, and web connectivity. Mobility has, in a short time, moved from a 'cool' toy to a very important component in our lives. It has boosted communication and productivity at both the personal and professional levels. A hand full of years ago, I predicted that everyone would have a smart phone in their hands and that everyone would demand more from it. Well, we are here...
Last year, the number-one topic that came up during any meeting that we were a part of was the use of mobile devices. Smart phones are making their way into the hands of all levels of staff. Along with talking about the use of these devices, we have also been very busy training staff on etiquette and best practices. Some of our organizations have been struggling to keep up with best practices and proper use of these devices. The culture of your staff and tech will change quickly once a
new device has been introduced. Naturally, users' technological abilities will be enhanced with the introduction. It has been a very exciting and daunting task for Common World Inc. and our customers to keep up with these changes and needs. Much of our time has been invested in this.Mobile connectivity is rapidly advancing every quarter. New devices are introduced every month. Mobile apps are released and updated daily. It has been very difficult for schools to keep up with and support all of these new options. Right now, tons of crazy-awesome devices are being released. Every couple of months there is another, better device released. The smart phone is the ultimate accessory to have right now. It's easy to get caught up in the hype when trying to find the best solution. It's also easy for the tech department to spend hours trying to get the latest phone to work in their environment.
Often, I'm asked to recommend the best device for my clients. This is a tricky question because this depends on the staff needs and the quality of the device's connectivity. I recommend to start with the mobile carrier (not with the device). Find out which one has the best reception in the building, and test surrounding areas that the staff live in and will travel to. Once the best carrier is found, then choose the mobile device(s) to implement. Make sure to get test units. Most mobile dealers will be more than happy to help find the best devices for your organization and its needs. Make sure to choose only a couple of devices to support. Adding only a few devices per year should help to manage the support time of the tech staff; this also allows ample time to find and offer good device options to the staff. I
recommend getting a device with a full web browser and WIFI.
Introducing mobile devices can be difficult for an organization. It is best if the tech department is involved and supports the devices - at the very least writing up a "suggested phones" list of devices that have been tested. In the past, we have worked with a lot of organizations that have faced a lot of frustration in picking the proper device for their environments.
What Mobile Device is Best?
It is hard to recommend any one phone. A phone may work great at one site but have connectivity problems at the next. The needs of the staff at one site will be different than their needs at the next. We have found that there is no one magical solution or device that will work everywhere (as with most things in life). Also, new phones enter the market all the time; there is no way to keep up with this.
From the standpoint of FirstClass:
- The iPhone currently has a full mobile app. We have had no real issues with syncing anywhere or with any of the features. Apple is fully in control of their device and directly pushes updates on a regular basis.
- There are now over 100 Android devices out there, and for the most part, they are great. The Android market is very fractured. There have been some imap bugs reported on Android, but we haven't seen anything that would stop us from supporting them in general. Carriers may be a minor issue with company-specific restrictions and custom 'skins' added to their phones. Many devices are not allowed to have updates or to advance for a host of reasons. Google is trying to counter these issues, but so far the market is fractured. This has affected some use of their devices.
- Blackberry devices are losing market share quickly. If the trend continues, they will be gone in a few years. We still have some syncing issues at a couple of my schools. There is now a full FC Mobile Client for the Blackberry. I personally do not recommend any Blackberry device (when compared to iPhone or Android).
- The new Windows Mobile looks promising, but we haven't seen too many of them in the hands of our clients. It seems to have a slower start than was anticipated.
FirstClass Mail on a Mobile Device
On a mobile device, using the standard email app, mail is retrieved via imap. On iPhone, Win Mobile/CE, Android device, Palm, and most other devices, SMTP will be used to send email messages. Port 587 'SMTP Submission' is suggested. A Blackberry device will only send email via the Blackberry messaging services (not the FC Server). A second option used to send email is the device's mobile browser. A user can use the device's web browser to log-in to the FC server for sending and retrieving messages. A third option (highly recommended option) is to use the FirstClass Mobile Client app for the device. See below for a list of devices that have a FC Mobile Client app.
It is important to point out that the FCSS is not required when sending messages (no syncing required). With each of these options, the device will connect directly to the FCIS. It is also important to point out that the server needs to be properly configured.
FirstClass Sync Services (syncing contacts & calendar)
FirstClass Synchronization Services (FCSS) provides SyncML and ActiveSync connectivity to FirstClass systems. SyncML and Activesync are industry standard protocols supported by the majority of mobile devices and desktop applications. The FCSS is required to synchronize account data such as the personal calendar and contacts. The FCSS is not required for any FirstClass mobile client app connectivity (iPhone, Blackberry, or Android Mobile Client). It is only for syncing to a mobile device's proprietary calendar and contacts software to the FirstClass server. On the iPhone there is also the option to use the FirstClass Mobile Client app for calendaring.
At this time, FCSS can run only on a Windows Server. Mac FirstClass servers require FCSS to run on a separate Windows machine. A Mac version of FCSS is in development. For more information on setting up FCSS, please contact us.
FirstClass Mobile Web Connectivity
FirstClass has support for mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.) via web connectivity. Any mobile device with a web browser has full access to a FirstClass server. FirstClass supports both mobile and standard web browsers. The configuration of the FCIS as well as the template's version will affect what the mobile device will display. It is possible to configure a special sub-domain for loading only certain types of mobile templates. This web option on mobile devices is often overlooked - it is a great way for anyone to have access, in real-time, to their information and data. All calendars, conferences, and mail will be up-to-date and live. Many of our customers prefer this option as it gives them access to "everything" on their mobile device.
Mobile Device Use and Best Practices
In much of our consulting and training sessions, we cover best practices and use for mobile devices. Mobility and productivity have simultaneously been thrust upon our daily routine; the mobile device has become part of our culture. This has impacted all of us in a positive way (and possibly in a negative way, too). We highly recommend that all organizations set some 'standards of use' and 'policy' in regard to mobile device use. We welcome any questions and look forward to scheduling meeting time to cover this new topic.
The world is advancing quickly - invite us in to help keep up with best practices and use.
Apple iOS Devices (iPhone/iPod/iPad)
FC iPhone/iPod/iPad Mobile Client
More info --> FirstClass iPhone/iPod mobile client
iTunes App Store --> FirstClass Mobile Client
FC Synching Calendars and Contacts with the iPhone
More info --> iPhone_sync
OTSM iPhone/iPod Mobile Client (OTSM only)
iTunes App Store --> OTSM Mobile Client
RIM Blackberry Devices
The full Blackberry Mobile Client App is beign developed.
The Blackberry App is out. The FirstClass server must be updated to v11 to support this app. OpenText worked with RIM to build a BES mail module for FirstClass which is bringing native FirstClass email, calendaring and contacts to the Blackberry. To download the Blackberry client, visit the server login page via the Blackberry mobile web browser. There you should be able to find a link to download the client directly on the device.
Client features:
Mailbox
Conferences
FirstClass Documents
Communities
The Pulse
My People
Flagged Items
Community Invitations
Upcoming Functionality (Calendar Q3 2011)
Administrative enforcement of device-level password
Social Workplace 1.2 Enhancements
Upcoming Functionality (Calendar Q4 2011)
Contacts
Calendars
Tasks
OpenText Content Server Integration
OTSM Mobile Client for the Blackberry
Screen Shots --> Blackbery OTSM (firstlook)
FirstClass Blackberry Client --> direct your Blackberry to http://otsw.firstclass.com/Login/ (it will install the OTSW app that includes the mailbox. FC v11 is requried)
FC Synching Blackberry Devices
Download --> Synching FirstClass with Blackberry Devices 2.pdf (2008)
Good Syncing Client --> http://www.astrasync.com/
Blackberry Syncing Config --> Blackberry Config Notes
Android Devices
FirstClass Social Workplace Mobile for Android Client
Unofficial list of features
Mailbox
Conferences
FirstClass Documents
Communities
The Pulse
My People
Flagged Items
Community Invitations
Upcoming Functionality (Calendar Q4 2011)
Administrative enforcement of device-level password
Contacts
Calendars
Tasks
OpenText Content Server Integration
Download the FirstClass Android Client
Android Market --> Social Workplace Mobile
NOTE* The name of the Android app is 'Social Workplace Mobile'. This is the FirstClass Client. The Social Workplace Mobile application requires that you have an active account on a FirstClass 11.0 or OpenText Social Workplace 2.0 based server with mobile access privileges enabled. The server has to be configured proper for mobile connectivity. If you are having connecting errors, contact your server administrator and make sure the server is set up proper.
More Information on Mobile Devices and FirstClass:
