Smartphone sync software offers push to all

Open-Xchange offers a non-proprietary solution to smartphone data synchronisation

German open-source software vendor Open-Xchange has released an application which allows smartphone users to synchronise data without having to rely on proprietary solutions.

OXtender for Business Mobility uses Microsoft's ActiveSync to push email, calendar and contact data direct to the handset from an online account. Handsets that do not use ActiveSync can download a software client for Symbian-based devices, BlackBerry or Android.

"Most current solutions are limited to specific smartphones, or require costly proprietary server solutions," said Rafael Laguna, chief executive of Open-Xchange.

"OXtender for Business Mobility provides users with easy-to-use mobile messaging and collaboration capabilities on all the devices they use, anywhere, anytime and at a reasonable cost."

The software is aimed at smaller businesses that want the push services commonly seen in larger enterprises but do not have the resources. The software costs $355 (£222) for 25 users per year. Additional users are charged at $14.22 (£8.90) each.