Database engine to use activesync to sync DB's with desktop version

[Paul Aspinall]

Hi
I'm looking to find a Database engine to use activesync to sync DB's with
desktop version.

I have a desktop version of software, which I want to develop a PDA version
of also. I want to then be able to Sync the data between both of the apps,
preferably via ActveSync.

I want to avoid using the replications offered by SQL Server, as this is to
be a lightweight application, and the desktop user should not need to enable
replication via IIS.

Is there a component out there that can offer this?? Any links to examples
appreciated.


Thanks

 

[Ginny Caughey [MVP]]

Paul,

SQL Server Compact Edition sounds like a good choice for you. The same sdf
files work on the desktop and devices, and you can use Activesync to move
the files back and forth. More info here:
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/editions/compact/default.mspx

 

[Paul Aspinall]

Hi
Thanks for the reply.

But copying SDF files back and forth between PDA and Desktop isn't strictly
synchronizing the data.

I want updates to be allowable on both machines, and then synchronized, with
a rule where one takes precedence over the other in the case of contention
(ie. as per normal replication / sync)

I am aware of some DB engines out there that claim to be able to do this
between PDA and Desktop, but without the need for IIS. I'm looking for some
feedback on some of the products, or perhaps someone who has implemented
this fucntionality 'manually' in their own code with SSCE.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Then you need to write an ActiveSync Serive Provider (in C++) to sync the
data.


--
Chris Tacke - Embedded MVP
OpenNETCF Consulting
Managed Code in the Embedded World
www.opennetcf.com

 

[Paul Aspinall]

Thanks for the reply.

Is there an example of how to do this, which I can refer to??
Can I do it in managed code via C#??

 

[Guest]

The MS sample is called StockPor and it's installed with the Pocket PC SDKs
in the SDK folder. As I said before, it must be written in C++ because it
has to be loaded by ActiveSync and hosting is not supported in the CF.

 

[Ginny Caughey [MVP]]

Paul,

You can't use managed code to write an ActiveSync service provider.

You might also check out the Access Sync CTP, although I wouldn't ordinarily
recommend the Jet database for new apps:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...7A-5DD0-445C-8A9F-AEA3DB9EC4BC&displaylang=en

Also check out this CTP which shows the direction sync will be moving in:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...9F-1B5E-49BC-A21A-9EF4F34DE6FC&displaylang=en

And also consider the possibility of having your desktop app do the sync
functionality. You can use Rapi to transfer files to/from the device from
the desktop app. That's what my production apps are using currently.

 

[Steven]

not an Activesync provider in managed code as far as i know, but I think you
can do RAPI using managed code via the OpenNetCF libraries.

Activesync on the desktop could autostart an app on the desktop to do a sync
with the device via RAPI calls - or kick off an app and do it via web
service or socket. Using those approaches you could stay within managed
code.