Senior App Development Managers David Huang and Sash Kavalaparambil introduce Exchange ActiveSync development support options.

Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) Protocol is the language communicated between a mobile device and server to enable synchronization of emails, calendar items, contact information, tasks, and push accurate and reliable data. The protocol is implemented with Microsoft Exchange server, Outlook.com and Office 365 platforms. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Apple Computers and Samsung Electronics, license Exchange ActiveSync Protocol from Microsoft as part of a broader suite of Microsoft licensing solutions which helps them create more powerful mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, and other software to enable users to access critical information from any locations.

How Does EAS Work?

Syncing is a process of reconciling differences between data on a device an on Exchange Server. The device initiates a new sync by sending a set of updates to the server and requesting it respond with its own updates. The Exchange Server then processes updates it receives and resolves any conflicts. It sends back the changes to the mobile device. In order to process these instructions accurately, EAS Protocol can be licensed by OEM vendors to develop software on the respective devices to enable new contacts, appointments, and tasks to be updated instantly on all devices. Furthermore, EAS can work in real time to send push messages and calendar items as needed, as compared to fetching them from a server at fixed interval.

How to Implement EAS?

The Exchange ActiveSync Overview and Exchange Server Protocol Documents offer additional information about Microsoft’s implementation of EAS.

How to Obtain Client-Side EAS Developers Support?

Partners who develop EAS on Android or iOS should first purchase an EAS license with Microsoft, followed by a Premier Support for Developers (PSfD) Agreement to properly engage support.  Unlicensed customers or partners may still find assistance via Microsoft online forum (i.e., the so-called “forum support”), however, a Premier Support contract is required to open a formal support case.  The Support Options article has more related licensing instruction. Some development support examples by Microsoft PSfD program include Certification-Based Authentication (CBA) architecture and requirements, Exchange Web Services (EWS) for online interactions, Calendar synchronization with Add/Delete/Change events, Email or meeting attachments and forward, Issues related to meeting organizers and delegates, Issues related to contact duplications in syncing, Android auto-configurations, EAS password policies, Right Management Service (RMS) problems, Outlook implementation of Autodiscover, Token-based Authentication issues, OAuth (Open Standard of Authorization) issues, O365 and Hotmail via Outlook REST APIs, and many more.

More Information About PSfD

Premier Support relationships are often instrumental in staying informed on the latest development, driving feedback, and receiving critical support with the technologies most important to your business. Premier Support for Developers provides strategic technology guidance, critical support coverage, and a range of essential services to help teams optimize development lifecycles and improve software quality.  Contact your Application Development Manager (ADM) or email us to learn more about what we can do for you.