Email Account Setup Synchronization Between Desktop and Handheld Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data synchronization systems between desktop and handheld devices lack comprehensive synchronization of electronic message accounts, particularly setup information, and do not allow for private email accounts on handheld devices, limiting functionality and user privacy.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing electronic message account setup information between desktop and handheld systems, allowing for one-way or two-way synchronization, and enabling the creation of private email accounts on handheld devices without affecting existing accounts on the desktop system, using a software architecture that includes data sources, sync agents, and data class handlers to manage and synchronize various data classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synchronization software performs synchronization operations for both sets of databases on both devices, then comprehensive data synchronization is achieved, but device complexity and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization system is divided into separate synchronization agents on each device and a central synchronization server. Each device has a lightweight agent that only handles local data collection and transmission, while the server performs the complex synchronization logic. This segmentation reduces the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining comprehensive synchronization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronization server acts as an intermediary between multiple devices and their respective databases. The server receives data from various devices, manages the synchronization logic, and coordinates updates across all systems. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex peer-to-peer synchronization while ensuring complete data consistency.
2Reliability
If existing email accounts are synchronized between host and handheld, then data consistency is maintained, but private accounts cannot be created on handheld devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows different synchronization behaviors for different email accounts based on their origin. Accounts created on the handheld device are marked as local/private and do not synchronize to the host, while accounts created on the host synchronize to the handheld. This local quality differentiation enables private account creation on handhelds while maintaining data consistency for shared accounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization system dynamically adapts its behavior based on account properties. When a new email account is detected on the handheld, the system determines whether it should be synchronized based on the account's source and configuration. This dynamic adaptation allows flexible account management that supports both private and shared accounts without compromising data consistency where needed.
3Productivity
If synchronization agents run concurrently with applications on handheld computer, then productivity is improved, but synchronization reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization agent is segmented into separate threads or processes that operate independently from application processes. The synchronization thread handles data collection and transmission, while application threads handle user interactions. This segmentation allows concurrent execution without interfering with each other, maintaining both productivity and synchronization reliability through proper process isolation and synchronization mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and computer readable media for synchronization of electronic message accounts. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information to establish an electronic message account on a first data processing system, the electronic message account being defined by setup information, and synchronizing the setup information onto a store on a second data processing system. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving information to establish an electronic message account, defined by first setup information, on a host and synchronizing the first setup information onto a device when the device is coupled to the host for synchronization. Systems, other methods and computer readable media are also described.