Depending on the specific groupware supplier several synchronisation possibilities are available, ranging from freeware to high-end servers. Synchronizing the calendar, tasks and contacts has the benefit that if something happends to a device, the most important data stays safe. It also allows others to see parts of your calendar.

Desktop Synchronisation

If you are a home or small office user, a single Microsoft Installation on a desktop could suffice. This will allow you to create and edit appointments, tasks and contacts on both your desktop and mobile device and combine the records. For the different platforms, different applications are available:

• For PC's working locally, Microsoft Outlook is the best option. All Windows Mobile devices can communicate with Microsoft Outlook, using Activesync
• For Apple Mac, there are third parties available.
• For eVolution there are no applications available.

Synchronization with company groupware solutions

Companies deploy groupware solutions in order to enable employees share contacts, arange meetings and assign tasks. There are major players in this market, all having their own way of synchronizing:

• One of the most important groupware servers is Microsoft Exchange. Windows Mobile devices come with standard tooling for synchronizing directly with Microsoft Exchange, or do this through the desktop.
• Another big player in the market is Lotus Notes. Windows Mobile devices can not connect with this groupware server without the help of supporting applications to connect to Lotus Notes. There are many options available, ranging from desktop conduits to complete Lotus Notes clients.
• Groupwise is another big player in the market. Like Lotus Notes, Windows Mobile does not support this out-of-the-box. With supporting tools you are able to synchronize with you server.
• Open source groupware solutions provide free competitors for payed groupware solutions. Some are working on desktops but most of them require a Linux or Windows system as a server.