Syncing isn't just for geeks

Use to be that only those that were brave and courageous enough were the ones that would synchronize their phone to their PC, much less online. Over the years, many have offered various software solutions to allow synchronization between the phones and PCs. Today synchronizing does not just have to be with only your PC. Ever-growing lists of sites are giving you the option of simple to configure and use online synchronizing solutions.

First, Mobical by Tactel, a company based in Sweden, boosts the ability to synchronize with any SyncML capable device. Account setup and mobile configuration was straightforward. Register for an account, select your phone and the site displays the settings for your particular phone. Entering the settings using your keypad can take a little while but once setup, you do not have to re-enter the information. More importantly, this service has mostly been hassle free. Occasionally an error would popup but simply trying again would typically resolve this problem. I did find one small hiccup, which also hung up PC Suite; do not use the octothorpe (#) in calendar entries. I had a couple calendar entries that used the octothorpe in the subject that appeared to play havoc with the synchronizing process. I cannot explain why it was an issue but once removed everything flowed smoothly once again.

The second syncing site I discovered is Zyb by Zyb Technologies out of Denmark. Like Mobical the configuration and setup was equally straightforward. Zyb does offer more in the way of site content, going for a Social Networking approach to their service while offering the site in a number of languages. Zyb's focus is similar to that of Mobical but with the Social Networking aspect of the site, you can share your contact information and more with friends. Zyb allows you to send, store and share pictures via email or MMS (aka picture messaging). Yet another unique feature is the ability to forward text messages to their site for safekeeping and online viewing. All in all their service also worked as advertised, never receiving any error messages thus far. I did hear of at least one person with A&T had some difficultly receiving the confirmation SMS however it appears to be related to the carrier and not Zyb.

The third solution GooSync offered by Toffa International Limited in the UK. Unlike the others, GooSync only synchronizes your calendar, but unlike the others, GooSync synchronizes with Google Calendar. Given Google's popularity and use among many users possibly giving GooSync and edge over the compition. GooSync is currently testing the option to synchronize your contacts with Gmail further making this solution a much stronger contender and standout among its competitors. GooSync unlike Mobical or Zyb is only free for the basic service. For an additional fee of £19.99 per year they give you a number of additional features including synchronizing a full +/-365 days, up from free +30 and -7 days along with support for multiple calendars, read-only calendars, attendees and additional SyncML sync modes. Once GooSync goes live with contact synchronization, I can quite easily see them becoming the leader given Google's popularity. If signing up for paid GooSync use referral SYMBIANVERSE and receive 2 months free.

All of these services connect remotely from your phone to their servers over your wireless data connection. Before using, any of these services ensure you have a data plan sufficient to cover possible costs that might be associated with doing so. All three tested using T-Mobile USA's basic data package, T-MobileWeb, using a Nokia N95-3, N73, E65, and N70 without any issues related to T-Mobile's port restrictions. With the exception of GooSync's advanced calendar synchronization, all three are free to sign up and use along with the ability to edit your data online.

- Matthew Stevens

Comments

[Anders]

Hi! I just have to point out that there's another backup/sync service and that is bloove (http://www.bloove.com). I like this the best however I'm an hypochondriac towards loosing my data so I use multiple services.

[Giovani]

I haven't look for this kind of service but It's something that I considered since AT&T offers this service with a monthly price, now it would be awesome if this service was included in OVI a kind of Lifeblog version on the Net.

[Aart-Jan]

Hi Darla,
Nice insightful article, but you forgot an exceptional service: http://www.bloove.com
It made me leave Zyb in a heartbeat.

[Jukka]

OVI will have something when it launches: http://ovi.nokia.com/ovi/app/ovi/web/sync

If you're willing to look beyond syncing and just access to the phone data (locally or via Internet), look here: http://mymobilesite.net

[Evert]

...and don't forget O-Sync ( http://www.o-sync.com/