14 DAY TRIAL // XCome is the latest company to jump aboard Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync licensing program wagon, with Chunghwa Telecom's customers using the CHT 5500 handset to be the first to benefit from the advantages of the Redmond company's technology. The Taipei-based company is already developing an Exchange ActiveSync client designed to integrate with Huawei Technologies' CHT 5500. By licensing ActiveSync, XCome joins a growing number of companies that have turned to Microsoft for a solution bridging mobile users with Exchange Servers, including Google, Nokia, Symbian, Apple and Sony Ericsson.
“XCome came to us a few months ago to discuss the value of Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and we are pleased they’ve decided to implement it in their offerings and license the Microsoft patents that cover much of this valuable technology,” noted David Kaefer, general manager of Intellectual Property Licensing at Microsoft. “As we see so often, licenses like this are win-win propositions that increase choice and expand market opportunities.”
Via Exchange ActiveSync, Microsoft is essentially offering an Exchange synchronization protocol based on HTTP and XML, which is capable of permitting workers running smartphones or Windows Mobile devices to access data from their company's servers. XCome has in this regard moved to ensure that its ActiveSync solution for Chunghwa Telecom customers will allow them to access servers running Exchange and synchronize content including emails, calendars, contacts and Task Lists. This will be done via Direct Push Synchronization, XCome explained. In addition, XCome also delivers support for the POP3 and IMAP protocols, allowing users to hook into email accounts from services such as Windows Live Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail.
“By working with Microsoft in running the mobile Windows Live Messenger solutions for Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile and FarEasTone (covering over 90% of the Taiwan mobile carrier market), we are delighted that we can expand our partnership with the licensing of the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol to develop our own PIM client solutions for mobile phones, netbooks and the up-and-coming Smartbooks. Additionally, our proximity to the world’s leading ODM and OEM IT manufacturing companies gives us a unique advantage in terms of sharing of information, accelerating time to market for new products and exceptional local support,” added Jack Yang, XCome CEO.