Microsoft's Exchange ActiveSync Comes to SmarterMail Users

Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. and SmarterTools Inc. announced on Wednesday an agreement through which over 15 million users will have the opportunity to enjoy Microsoft's patented Exchange ActiveSync technology through the newest variant of SmarterMail mail server. According to the agreement, SmarterTools receives a patent license for the technology, while Microsoft is able to offer its solution to SmarterTools’ customer base, including hosting/service providers, enterprises, and small to medium sized businesses.

As many of you might already know, Microsoft's Exchange ActiveSync protocol has been licensed for mobile devices since 2003, and SmarterTools is yet another company that will use Exchange ActiveSync patents on its servers. The agreement between the two companies shows that users of SmarterMail 6.x will enjoy the possibility to synchronize emails, calendars, contacts, and notes between handsets through Exchange ActiveSync’s Direct Push technology.

“With the growing number of mobile manufacturers adding Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync compatibility to their devices, the technology is the standard for mobile synchronization and communication,” said Tim Uzzanti, CEO of SmarterTools. “Mobile devices are becoming the primary device for communication and the ability to accept a calendar event, read email immediately, and track tasks from a mobile device while syncing with the server is a necessity. The addition of Exchange ActiveSync to the SmarterMail mail server is part of our continuing commitment to provide individuals and businesses the tools necessary to compete in today’s marketplace.”

According to SmarterTools, the SmarterMail 6.x Exchange ActiveSync add-on has been packaged in a different manner than other service providers, which enables it to offer its solution for a yearly subscription less costly than similar offerings. SmarterTools' users will also have the possibility to add Exchange ActiveSync only to the mail accounts that need it, so that the adoption of the add-on by small to medium sized businesses and ISP/hosting companies is made in a more affordable and easier way.

The feature list of SmarterMail 6.x includes the Webmail interface, events/notifications, message archiving, throttling, reporting, synchronization with Microsoft Outlook, OTA support for BlackBerry, iPhone, and Windows Mobile handsets, optional add-ons for Commtouch Antispam and Exchange ActiveSync, as well as antispam, antivirus, and security features to provide protection out-of-the-box.