What is SyncML?
SyncML aims to deliver an open, industry-wide specification for the universal synchronization of remote data and personal information across multiple networks, platforms and devices. The aim of the SyncML initiative is to develop a single, common data synchronization protocol that could be used widely, in every compatible device and application.
SyncML is a standard for synchronizing data between different devices. Such data includes contacts, to-do lists, and schedules. Devices might be phones, handhelds, PCs, or even services, such as web sites. SyncML provides an XML-based standard format for this data, such that all SyncML-compatible devices can understand. It can work over various types of connections, including Wireless Internet, Bluetooth, and infrared. The SyncML standard started as a non-profit corporation formed by a group of companies who co-operated to produce an open standard for data synchronization and device management. In 2002, it SyncML was consolidated into the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) in 2002, contributing their technical work to the OMA technical Working Groups: Device Management Working Group and Data Synchronization Working Group. Therefore, the OMA-DM inherited many works from SyncML. Today, the Data Synchronization Working Group continues the work originated in the former SyncML Initiative. For more
SyncML is the protocol for synchronizing devices and applications over the Internet. SyncML is based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML) protocol, employing standards such as iCal, vCal and vCard for data representation. The first data types supported for remote synchronization were calendar, task and contact data, but SyncML will soon support the synchronization of files, e-mail and other enterprise data.
SyncML is the popular name for an international standard for data synchronization sponsored by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), a consortium of 300 hardware and software vendors. The OMA Data Synchronization (DS) standard is what most people mean when they refer to SyncML, but their Device Management (DM) standard is also critical because it provides the core mechanism for over-the-air (OTA) provisioning and configuring of phones.
SyncML is the leading open industry standard for universal synchronization of remote data and personal information across multiple networks, platforms, and devices. Because it supports multiple transport protocols, SyncML easily passes data across the vast array of networks and networked devices. SyncML’s advantages can be summarized as follows: • Works over all networks — both wireless and wired • Supports multiple transport protocols, including HTTP, WSP (Wireless Session Protocol), OBEX (Bluetooth, IrDA), SMTP, pure TCP/IP networks, and proprietary communication protocols • Supports such common personal data formats as vCard, vCalendar, iCalendar, and e-mail, among others • Optimized for small-memory-footprint mobile devices Based on tested Internet protocols and Web technologies for easier implementation and interoperability testing.
