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All contents on this page are copyright (c) 1998 by Tilo Christ. All rights reserved.
This page was last rebuilt on Wed Dec 9 11:46:03 CET 1998 .

Will SyncBuilder work under Windows 95?

I cannot give a definitive answer to that one, because I am not using Windows 95. The pure Java version for Windows NT may or may not work. Since the Windows version of SyncBuilder only supports Network HotSync you will have to come up with a way to establish a TCP/IP connection to your Windows 95 machine through PPP dial-in.

Will SyncBuilder work on Solaris (or other Unices)?

Yes. Even the native support code should compile and work on many commercial Unices. This will allow you to enjoy the full functionality of SyncBuilder on these platforms. I cannot give you any assistance with building the proper cables though.

Is SyncBuilder written in Pure Java?

Large portions of SyncBuilder have been developed using the Java language and the Java class-libraries, as provided by JavaSoft. These Java portions enable lots of functionality on all platforms. On Unix platforms there is also native support code which will give you extra functionality (most notably, the ability to synchronize through a direct serial cable). It is up to you whether you choose to install this native code. The framework will install and run without that native code, it will just be limited in its functionality.
SyncBuilder has not been certified for the 100% Pure Java seal of approval.

Can I use SyncBuilder to synchronize with MS Access?

SyncBuilder is only concerned with the connectivity to the Palm devices . It can establish connections, and it can read and write data to and from the Palm device . It is up to you to develop custom code that synchronizes with a database or any other data-source on your host. You might want to read Palm Computingīs documentation on developing Conduits to get an idea about the issues which are involved.

To finally answer the question: Yes, it can connect with MS Access (through JDBC-ODBC), but you will have to write your own code to do so.

Can SyncBuilder handle many simultaneous connections?

Yes! SyncBuilder has been built with support for simultaneous connections from the ground up! Special measures have been taken to make this a reality even on those platforms which offer poor Java multi-threading (older Unices, Linux).
Simultaneous connections require the use of the Network HotSync technology, though. You will therefore have to setup PPP dial-in on your host and you will have to install the Network HotSync software (I tested version 3.0) on your handheld.
Once you have done that, everything should be fine.

Which devices can be used with SyncBuilder?

SyncBuilder can work together with all Palm Computing(R) platform devices. This includes, but is not limited to, the Pilot 1000, the Pilot 5000, the PalmPilot Personal connected organizer, the PalmPilot Professional connected organizer, the PalmIII connected organizer, the IBM WorkPad PC companion, the IBM WorkPad II PC companion, and the Symbol SPT1500.

Synchronization across a network can only be accomplished on those devices which include a TCP/IP stack in their operating system (Palm OS 2.0, or better).

What future plans do you have?

The development is going in several directions:
  • Improvements to the foundation
  • Conduit SDK
  • Pure Java code
Improvements to the foundation:
pilot-link 0.9.0 already comes with a working Java -binding. This original binding is quite decent, but one can imagine many improvements. I have taken the original binding and I am remodelling those parts where I feel they deserve it. The result is called the SyncBuilder framework .
Conduit SDK:
On the Win32 platform and on the Macintosh platform you can use the HotSyncTM technology which is supported by application-specific Conduits. Initial support for a similar mechanism is now part of the SyncBuilder distribution, but this technology will certainly mature over the course of time.
Pure Java code:
SyncBuilder currently comes with native support code for the Unix platform, which gives it additional value on that platform. I could very well imagine a version which uses pure Java and Sunīs CommAPI instead. The CommAPI is available for a multitude of platforms, including UNIX, and Win32. This port would be a major piece of work, and I could use any help I can get.
Support for Network HotSyncTM technology through the java.net.*-classes is fully functional, though, and is included in this distribution.