Yes, Microsoft's ActiveSync is provided by ASPnix on our Windows SmarterMail services. It is an optional addon to your Windows web hosting account and is $1.00 per EAS enabled email account per month.

ActiveSync is a Microsoft protocol that delivers over-the-air push updates for email, contacts, notes, and calendar events. It integrates directly with SmarterMail to notify connected clients instantly when new data arrives on the server, removing the delays inherent in polling-based methods.

#ActiveSync Availability on ASPnix

Support is limited to Windows SmarterMail plans. After purchasing the add-on for each account, the feature activates on the server side and becomes available for configuration in clients. This is distinct from Exchange Web Services introduced in SmarterMail v9; ActiveSync remains the dedicated protocol for broad client compatibility.

#How ActiveSync Works

The protocol maintains a persistent connection from the device to the SmarterMail server. When the server receives new mail or detects changes to contacts, notes, or calendar items, it pushes that data immediately to the registered clients. Devices no longer need to wake up at fixed intervals to check for updates.

This architecture reduces network traffic and conserves battery on wireless handhelds because the device can remain idle until the server initiates a sync. The result is near real-time delivery—messages appear on the client within seconds of arrival at the server.

#Supported Clients and Devices

ActiveSync is natively supported in these environments:

  • Outlook 2013 and higher on Windows desktops
  • Apple iPhone, iPod, and iPad
  • Android smartphones and tablets
  • Windows Phone 7 and higher

Additional manufacturers whose devices have implemented the protocol include Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Palm, and Motorola. If you are not sure if your device supports ActiveSync, consult the user manual or contact the device provider for confirmation.

#Key Benefits and Considerations

  • Instant push delivery of messages, contacts, notes, and calendar events
  • Extended battery life on mobile devices by eliminating repeated polling
  • Bidirectional synchronization that keeps all connected clients current
  • Secure transmission when configured with SSL/TLS

Because the server performs the heavy lifting, client configuration is straightforward. However, the add-on must be purchased and enabled per mailbox before any client can connect. Attempting to configure ActiveSync on a mailbox without the add-on will result in authentication or connection failures.

#Enabling and Configuring ActiveSync

First enable the add-on for the target email account through the ASPnix client area. Once active on the SmarterMail server, add the account on your device or desktop client using Exchange ActiveSync settings. Provide the full email address, account password, and the server name listed in your hosting control panel.

On mobile devices select the option for Exchange, Corporate, or ActiveSync account type. Most clients auto-discover the remaining settings when the email address and password are supplied. For Outlook on Windows, use the manual setup wizard and choose Microsoft Exchange or Office 365 with the appropriate server address.

Common pitfalls include entering an incorrect server hostname, disabling SSL, or using an account that does not have the add-on enabled. Always verify the feature status before troubleshooting connectivity. Review SmarterMail webmail logs if sync errors persist after correct configuration.

ActiveSync delivers reliable push synchronization across desktop and mobile clients when properly enabled. Enable the add-on for required accounts and follow device-specific setup instructions to begin using instant mail, contact, and calendar updates.