SyncML Initiative

SyncML Initiative
Most mobile devices, whether laptop computers, mobile phones or PDAs, share information
among each other using non-compatible technologies and function across different networks.
This sharing of information between mobile devices such that information is stored
in multiple areas is called synchronization. Different standards and methods currently exist,
therefore problems arise for users and networks passing information. The SyncML Initiative
(www.syncml.com) was formed by Motorola (wwww.motorola.com), Starfish
(www.starfish.com), Ericsson (www.ericsson.com), IBM (www.ibm.com),
Lotus (www.lotus.com), Nokia (www.nokia.com), Palm (www.palm.com) and
Psion-PLC (www.psion.com) in 1999 to address these issues. The organization’s goal
is to develop a single standard protocol with which users can access information, data, applications
& services regardless of time, place or device. [***<www.syncml.
org>***].
SyncML centers around remote synchronization—one application used on one mobile
device can be used at the same time by another device in a different location. Devices and
networks then have current information stored in multiple areas. SyncML divides these
synchronization areas into client-side (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, laptops etc.) and server-side
The original Iridium network had an estimated 63,000 customers, most of whom
were government employees. It used satellite-to-satellite communications and communicated
with networks on the earth’s surface. Iridium’s 66 satellites communicated with
each other to complete calls. The system used TDMA and FDMA technologies
depending on the direction of the signal (i.e. satellite-to-earth or earth-to-satellite,
respectively). TDMA and FDMA are discussed in Chapter 10, Wireless Communications
Technologies Part II.
Iridium was not widely accepted by consumers when it was introduced. The service
cost five to seven dollars a minute in addition to requiring expensive phones and
other costly equipment. The transmission speed was only 10Kbps, which is less than
most network technologies that were available at the time and that are on the market
today. In 1999, Iridium filed for bankruptcy and Motorola began plans to destroy the
satellite network. However, in early 2001, the satellites were purchased by Iridium Satellite
(www.iridium.com) for only $25 million dollars. The company plans to
repair and update some satellites. The network will provide the same services originally
intended, but at a lower cost. [***B. Feder, “Iridium Satellite System Is About to
Be Revised,” The New York Times 28 March 2001: C4.***].
Iridium faces a difficult challenge because it is starting over in an already competitive
and rapidly developing market. In 1997, the original satellite system was one of
the first of its kind and was a gateway to mobile communications. Technological developments
over the past few years have created networks and services which offer data
and voice technology at speeds five times faster and at lower costs, placing Iridium at
a disadvantage. Even though Iridium is getting a second chance, it does has significant
challenges to overcome to find its niche in the wireless communications market.
Iridium: A Second Chance? [***B. Feder, “Iridium Satellite System Is
About to Be Revised,” The New York Times 28 March 2001: C4.***]
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182 Wireless Communications Technologies I Chapter 10
(e.g., networks and servers). For example, when employee are away from the office, they
may need to send or receive information from the company network. The employees’
device are the clients and the network contains the server. SyncML is designed to work over
fixed, infrared, cable or Bluetooth enabled networks. SyncML is designed to minimize
bandwidth use and can deal with network traffic which causes delays and transmission
errors [***<www.starfish.com>***].
SyncML has five different types of synchronizations and two types of sync messages
which are outlined in Fig.10.10. The synchronization process performs many functions to
information stored on both the client and server side, including copying, deleting, updating
and replacing. This is critical so that current information is available on the client and server
sides of the process. Numerous protocols and standards now exist that control how the synchronization
process takes place; this causes problems when devices with different standards
attempt to communicate.
SyncML 1.0 was released earlier this year. SyncML is based on a version of the programming
language XML called WAP-binary extensible markup language (WBXML).
XML is discussed in Chapter 25, XML, XSL and XSLT.
10.8 Future of Wireless Communication
The future of mobile services and providers is moving toward 3G technology (the next generation
of wireless technologies which establish faster data speeds and new networks). Today,
the battle over the technologies and standards of the future have created obstacles that
Sync Type Description
2-way sync Updates information on both the client and
server side.
1-way sync from client only Allows user to download information from the
server that has changed but the server is not
updated with new information from the client
1-way sync from server only Allows server to access information from the
client but the new information from the server
is not updated on the client.
Refresh from client only Special case in which the server updates the
information on the client without a request.
Refresh from server only Special case in which the client updates information
on the server without a request.
Server Alert Message Server message to notify client it is ready for a
syncing process.
Client Alert Message Client message to notify server that it is ready
for syncing process.
Fig. 10.11 Types of synchronizations and messages associated with SyncML.
[***<www.syncml.org>***] (Courtesy of SyncML).
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Chapter 10 Wireless Communications Technologies I 183
©Copyright 2001 Deitel and Associates Inc. All Rights Reserved
WASPs must overcome to continue competing in the market. In addition, providers need
to find a way to offer services beyond national markets and enter the global economy. Networks
and satellite systems face the challenge of the shift to 3G technologies as well as issues
regarding standards and unifying protocols. Development for these areas continues in
separate paths but more initiatives like SyncML, Bluetooth and others are evolving to standardize
protocols and technologies.
In Chapter 10, Wireless Communications Technologies II, we examine many of the
wireless protocols and technologies used by the hardware, WASPs, networks and satellite
communications. Numerous technologies exist worldwide which conflict or compete
against one another. As the world moves towards 3G, those technologies could combine or
form one to two unifying standards. The following chapter, Wireless Communications
Technologies II, examines most of the major technologies, protocols and programming languages
which surround wireless communications.