Lot of new stuff for Exchange ActiveSync and Exchange Mobility
Published Aug 31 2007 12:53 PM 1,713 Views

Exchange 2007 SP1 is now in beta for MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers and there is a lot to love from a mobile standpoint.  Policies, S/MIME, default settings, remote wipe confirmation and bandwidth reduction are all part of SP1.  Take a look at the list below.

  • New Policies – We've added a ton of new policies.  Look for an upcoming post for details. 
  • Bandwidth reductions – Less round trips and less data transferred while maintaining functionality.
  • S/MIME support – S/MIME has been added and has backward support for WM 5 + MSFP.  We have not only added S/MIME but there is now policy control around the use of S/MIME.
  • Sync State Upgrade for Migrations – Allows users to maintain their setting while their mailbox is transitioned from Exchange 2K3 to Exchange 2K7 (no need to re-sync to the new server).
  • Default Policy Support – A default policy can now be set so administrators don't have to apply the policy to each user or write a script to iterate though users.
  • Cancel Remote Wipe – Canceling remote device memory/storage wipes is now available in OWA and though Exchange Management Console.

For the record, there is corresponding client work that needs to be done to fully deliver this functionality to end user.

And while we are talking about EAS, several protocol licensees have recently mad announcements...

  • DataViz has added support to its RoadSync application for several key Exchange 2007 features including Flags on email, Server Search, SharePoint and UNC file access, and Faster Message Retrieval.  RoadSync is available on a broad range of mobile device. Details here.
  • Helio recently released Mail for Microsoft Exchange, a downloadable client for the Helio Ocean providing Direct Push of email, contacts, and calendar, GAL lookup and support for Remote Wipe.  Details here.
  • Nokia has released version 2.0 of its Mail for Exchange product, adding  GAL Lookup, Tasks and accept/reject meeting requests among other features.  Nokia has also increased support for Mail For Exchange to select devices of their popular N-series, in addition to the existing E-series device (the E61i does EAS over WiFi!).  In addition to Nokia's E-series devices Mail For Exchange also supports Nokia N95, Nokia N73 and Nokia N76. Word is that Nokia has a team of engineers who are working hard to expand Mail for Exchange 2.0 to more devices of their N series in the future.  Mail for Exchange can be downloaded here.
  • Palm has added Direct Push, GAL lookup  and IT Policy Support (SP2) to Versamail for Palm OS based Treos. The update ships in ROM on the Treo 755p, and is available as a free update for Treo 700p and Treo 680 (Treo 650 owners pay a small fee).  Details here.
  • Sony Ericsson released the Z750 earlier this summer with EAS support included.  Details here.

The lawyers make us say that we can't make any assurances about these non-Microsoft applications and devices, so we need to caveat the above by saying this is what we think they tell us they do. ;)

- Adam Glick and Ed Hott

7 Comments
Not applicable
A couple questions:

1) Does this assume Windows Mobile 6 on the client side?

2) Any change to the rather goofy practice that the remote wipe asks the thief that stole your device if it is OK to wipe the device?
Not applicable
In response to your questions:

1) Does this assume Windows Mobile 6 on the client side?

Answer: These changes are part of Exchange ActiveSync protocol version 12.1.  The current version of Windows Mobile (6.0) Support Exchange ActiveSync protocol version 12.0.

2) Any change to the rather goofy practice that the remote wipe asks the thief that stole your device if it is OK to wipe the device?

Answer: The issue you are referring to actually has to deal with whether there is a set of policies applied to that device.  If the device has policies applied to it (any policies) then you will not be prompted.  If your organization does not enforce any policies then a user will be prompted before a wipe.  This is because the wipe request is sent down with a blank policy.  
Not applicable
Is there any chance for the SP1 supports notes sync over Exhchange Active?

It is the only feature which missing over the existing exchane activesync.
Not applicable
"We've added a ton of new policies.  Look for an upcoming post for details".  I know I am impatient, but can we have these now?  I am doing a mobility design and up to the security bit.
Not applicable
re: Is there any chance for the SP1 supports notes...

We won't get notes support into SP1. We know you're not the only one who would like that though.

re: can we have these [policies] now?

There's a more detailed post in the works. Since I'm not writing it I can't say when, just "soon".
Not applicable
Hi folks,

Any overall improvements on the device management side? The Exchange 2003 device management tool for IIS was umm "lacking" ;) as far as actual management, usage logging, etc. How is the 2K7 version of this look?

I haven't had a chance to look into the 2K7 tools yet, but have comparatively (to BES 4.1.4) been a little spoiled with all of the options and things you can do on the Blackberry side of our house. I'm trying to get more people onto the WinMo/ActiveSync platform, but they want more options.

Thanks!
Not applicable
Can anyone help with this one?
I have a Sony Ericsson P1 that has been setup to sync against my outlook 2007 mailbox. After it been setup it automaticlly locks 15 seconds after i have used it and i am forced to put in my pin code again to use it. That also happens to every phone that syncs with our 2007 exchange server. If any one could help with a solution to this problem i would be a very happy guy.
//Dennis
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