Microsoft has delivered a new piece of the puzzle of its interoperability vision by opening up the complete set of Exchange ActiveSync protocols. In accordance with the company's Interoperability Principles, introduced in February 2008, Microsoft has not only finished publishing the entire collection of Exchange ActiveSync protocols, making them available via MSDN, but has also kicked the Exchange ActiveSync Intellectual Property (IP) Licensing program up a notch.

“The Exchange ActiveSync IP Licensing program is another example of how we are continuing to deliver on our commitment to increased openness and collaboration,” Horacio Gutierrez, vice president of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft, said. “This technology is being sought out by our partners and competitors alike, because it enhances their value proposition to their customers, and we believe that to be a testament to the innovation taking place at Microsoft.”

Via the documentation available on the protocols on MSDN, Microsoft is allowing both partner and rival companies to take advantage of Exchange ActiveSync when it comes down to developing new applications that can play nice with Microsoft Exchange Server and synchronize with in excess of 200 Exchange ActiveSync-enabled mobile phones. Nevertheless, in addition to the the actual protocols documentation, the software giant's licensing program now offers a clear perspective on the terms and steps companies need to take in order to leverage Exchange ActiveSync in commercial applications.

Essentially, Exchange ActiveSync protocols enable mobile phones to access push e-mail, but also to support synchronization capabilities as far as calendar, contacts, and tasks are concerned. Exchange ActiveSync also brings the wireless device management functionality to the table, along with the possibility to enforce security policies. Heavyweights of the mobile phone industry, including Nokia, Palm, Samsung Electronics, and Sony Ericsson, but also Apple for the iPhone, are among the companies that have already jumped aboard Microsoft's wagon and licensed Exchange ActiveSync.