ActiveSync is a mobile data synchronizationapp developed by Microsoft, originally released in 1996. It synchronizes data with handheld devices and desktop computers. In the Windows Task Manager, the associated process is called wcescomm.exe.
On desktops, ActiveSync synchronizes emails, calendar, contacts and tasks with Microsoft Outlook, along with Internet bookmarks and files. ActiveSync does not support all features of Outlook. For instance, contacts grouped into subfolders are not transferred. Only the contacts which are not in a subfolder are synchronized. In case of Exchange Server, only emails, calendar, contacts and tasks may be synchronized.
ActiveSync also provides for the manual transfer of files to a mobile device, along with limited backup functionality, and the ability to install and uninstall mobile device applications.
Removal of on-personal area connectivity options from the synchronisation mix.
Services for connections with Microsoft SQL server are included, along with a synchronisation update for Windows Media Player 10
GUI refresh
4.0.4358
2005
Retail version included only on Windows Mobile 5 device CDs
4.1.0.4841
2005-11-18
Critical update
4.2.0.4876
2006-06-06
Microsoft Outlook improvements: Resolves issues relating to error code 85010014
Proxy/DTPT interaction improvements: Improved auto configuration of device Connection Manager settings when desktop has no proxy path to the Internet
Improved Desktop Pass Thru behavior with ISA proxy failures
Partnership improvements: Better resolution of multiple devices with the same name syncing with the same desktop
Connectivity improvements: Better handling of VPN clients (resolve unbinding of protocols from our RNDIS adapter). New auto detection of connectivity failure with user diagnostic alerts
New troubleshooting utility
4.5.5096
2007-02-13
Faster file transfer speed and photo sync via Outlook are only available for Windows Mobile 5.0 powered devices.
Users of Microsoft Exchange 2003 Service Pack 2 with devices running the Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0 will benefit from the following feature enhancements included in ActiveSync 4.5: Direct Push Technology, local device wipe, and certificate powered authentication to Microsoft Exchange.
Microsoft Office Outlook 2000 not supported
Conversion of database files for use on a mobile device is not supported
Conversion of font files for use on a mobile device is not supported by ActiveSync 4.5