Have a BlackBerry? Well you can sync it to FirstClass!
Unlike the iPhone, the Blackberry uses an existing sync protocol called "SyncML." This has been the standard for some time now, and has the full support of FirstClass.
For users looking to configure their BlackBerries, please click the below link for a .PDF of instructions, complete with screenshots, distributed by OpenText - the creators of FirstClass.
A general summary of mobile devices and FirstClass: Sync&Surf
Here is what you will need for your setup:
1. FirstClass Login Credentials
2. Incoming Mail Server (IMAP) and Port Number
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR FOR DETAILS, as this may differ based on your server.
3. Ougoing Mail Server (SMTP)
You may be able to use your BlackBerry provider's server, if you have that info, or pay for a service like: Auth-SMTP
4. A SyncML Conduit
This is what you will use to Sync your calendar and contacts. See the info here - SyncJE
Below are some of the "Best Practices" for using your BlackBerry with FirstClass:
Blackberry Best Practices
Handheld Device Configuration
The follow are best practices for setting the Blackberry device itself.
- Disable Auto Sync. Auto can cause problems because if a user begins a sync in a area where they do not have good reception as a result they may become disconnected. If a session is does not finish properly Sync Services then will need to preform a slow sync. This will increases the connection time the next time it syncs and this is when errors can start to happen. (ie. Too much information is passed causing disconnections from the cellular provider) Make sure the user syncs manually when they have full reception and this should avoid most connection issues. If you do not wish to disable this increase the interval to at least every 30 mins or more if you can.
- Do not use the "Sync Events Between" setting on your SyncJE Client. This has been known to cause issues when trying to Sync users calendars.
- Turn off Blackberry Firewall. Blackberries have a built in firewall feature, this setting can sometimes cause connection errors. To turn off this function go to Options -> Security Settings -> Firewall on your blackberry.
- Make sure you are running the latest production version of SyncJE (2.47 at the time of writing this)
- Make sure your version of the Blackberry OS is compatible with the SyncJE client)
- Do not use Blackberry Desktop Manager application to sync with your desktop using this can result in duplicates.
- Blackberry model 8830 has known connection issues. Make sure are running the newest version of the firmware. To upgrade check with your provider or the blackberry website.
- Visit the SyncJE technical support page they have a FAQ section (linked here)that can be helpful if you are experiencing problems with their client.
FirstClass Client Preferences
- Please ensure that your conflict resolution policy is set to either Device wins, or Server wins, setting it to Duplicate on Server and handheld will like cause duplicate entries in the device and on FirstClass. (You can find this in your Preferences control panel under "Mobile Devices."
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