FirstClass and Mobile Devices
Mail on a Mobile Device
On a mobile device, mail is retrieved via imap. On the iPhone, Win Mobile/CE, Android device, Palm, and most other devices, will use SMTP to send email messages. Port 587 SMTP send is suggested. A Blackberry device only will send email via the Blackberry messaging services (not the FC Server). If there is a FC Mobile Client app for the device, that is also an option for sending and retrieving mail. A third option is to use the device's mobile browser to log-in to the FC server for sending and retrieving messages. It is important to point out that the FCSS is not used when sending messages. With all these options, the device will connect to the FCIS.
FirstClass Sync Services
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 as a way to synchronize account data such as the personal calendar, and contacts. FCSS is required for any syncing of the personal calendar and contacts from FirstClass to a mobile device. The FCSS is not required for any mobile client app connectivity, (iPhone Mobile Client) only for syncing to a mobile device's proprietary calendar and contacts software. At this time FCSS only runs on a Windows Servers. Mac FirstClass servers would require FCSS to run on a separate Windows box. A Mac version of FCSS is in development. For more information on setting up FCSS please contact me.
FirstClass Mobile Web Connectivity
FirstClass has support for mobile devices via web connectivity. FC v9.1 and FC 10 do support mobile web browsers. The configuration of the FCIS and the template version will effect what mobile devices see when they log on. 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 over looked - it is a great way for anyone to have access in real-time to their informaion and data. All calendars, conferences, as well as mail will be up-to-date and live.
FC iPhone/iPod 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
FC Synching Blackberry Devices
The future looks very bright for FirstClass on BlackBerries.
There's still some work to be done, but a full Blackberry Mobile Client will be coming out. The Blackberry is evolving into a more powerful and capable device. OpenText is talking with RIM about the possibility of a BES mail module for FirstClass which could bring native FirstClass email, calendaring and contacts to the Blackberry.
FC Synching Blackberry Devices
Downlod --> Synching FirstClass with Blackberry Devices 2.pdf (2008)
Good Syncing Client --> http://www.astrasync.com/
OTSM Mobile Client for the Blackberry - first look
Screen Shots --> Blackbery OTSM firstlook
OTSM iPhone/iPod Mobile Client
iTunes App Store --> OTSM Mobile Client
A full Android mobile client app should be out 2010.
More Information on Mobile Devices and FirstClass:
