L8 - T8B - S3 - Types of Data to Synchronise

Mobile device synchronization (sync)

Refers to copying data back and forth between different devices

• Could be between a PC and smartphone or between a smartphone, a tablet, and a PC

  • Useful for keeping information up to date on multiple devices

• Contacts

• Calendar

• Mail

• Pictures/Music/Video/Documents

• Apps

• Passwords

Examples of typical items/utilities that are useful to sync across devices

Contacts

Example of typically synced information

• A record with fields for name, address, email address(es), phone numbers, notes, and so on

• Typical sync issues

  • People tend to create them on different systems, and there can be issues matching fields or phone number formats

    • When importing from one system to another using a file format such as comma separated values (CSV)

    • vCard represents one standard format and is widely supported now

Calendar

Example of typically synced information

• Record with fields for appointment or task information, such as subject, date, location, and participants

• Sync issues (similar to contacts)

  • People create appointments in different calendars and then have trouble managing them all

    • ____ items can be exchanged between different services using the iCalendar format

Mail

Example of typically synced information

• Allows users to access e-mail

• Most email systems store messages on the server, and the client device is used to manage them

• Typical sync issues

  • Deletions, sent items, and draft compositions

Pictures, Music, Video and Documents

Example of typically synced information

• Main sync issues

  • The amount of space they take up

    • Might not be enough space on one device to sync all the files the user has stored

  • Issues with file formats

    • Not all devices can play or show all formats

  • Document version history

    • Unless the changes are saved directly to the copy stored in the cloud

True

• If a user has a Windows PC and an Apple iPhone, they will find themselves managing two sets of apps

True or False: An app will be available across all devices that the account holder signs in on as long as they are on the same platform

Passwords

Example of typically synced information

• Allows users to authenticate and access their accounts

• Both iOS and Android will prompt you to save a ______ when you sign in to apps and websites

  • These ____ are cached securely within the device file system

    • Protected by the authentication and encryption mechanisms required to access the device via the lock screen

  • These cached ____ can be synchronized across your devices using cloud services