Symbian OS Gets Exchange Sync Capabilities

Specifically, Symbian said it is licensing the Microsoft Exchange Server ActiveSync protocol form Microsoft. It said it will develop the synchronization capabilities as a plug-in for devices based on the Symbian OS. The protocol enables over-the-air synchronization of e-mail and other personal information managed by Exchange server.

"This will help all Symbian OS licensees meet the needs of the enterprise market," Marit Doving, Symbian's executive vice president for marketing, said in a statement.

Among Microsoft's offerings are the various variations of its Windows Mobile platform, including its platform for smartphones, that compete directly with Symbian. However, Symbian is not the first competitor to license Microsoft's synchronization technology -- PalmSource previously also licensed it. In addition, Symbian also supports synchronization with Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices.