SyncML (Synchronization Markup Language)
I wanted to pass on some information about how simple SyncML can be if used with a good SyncML client. I've used Funambol with Thunderbird and found it a breeze to setup and use. For those that haven't heard of Funambol or SyncML, here's a tutorial on how to setup with Thunderbird.
About Funambol
...Funambol (pronounced Fu-NOM-bol) is derived from the Latin words funis (rope) and ambulare (walking), meaning a tightrope walker. Just as a tightrope walker must be strong, brave, disciplined and nimble, Funambol continuously balances the needs of our open source community and the market...Here's a little background on SyncML from the Wiki link above,
SyncML (Synchronization Markup Language) is the former name (currently referred to as: Open Mobile Alliance Data Synchronization and Device Management) for a platform-independent information synchronization standard. Existing synchronization solutions have mostly been somewhat vendor-, application- or operating system specific. The purpose of SyncML is to change this by offering an open standard as a replacement. Several major companies such as Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG, IBM and Siemens AG already support SyncML in their products, although LG do not support it in all their phone models, preferring to use their own proprietary syncing protocols such as LG Sync SPP. Philippe Kahn was instrumental in the founding vision for synchronization with Starfish Software, later acquired by Motorola. The founding vision as expressed by Kahn was: "Global synchronization and integration of wireless and wireline devices".The Wiki link above also includes a useful chart showing other supported SyncML clients and servers, please take a look to see if SyncML has a solution for you.
SyncML is most commonly thought of as a method to synchronize contact and calendar information (personal information manager) between some type of handheld device and a computer (personal, or network-based service), such as between a mobile phone and a personal computer. The new version of the specification includes support for push email, providing a standard protocol alternative to proprietary solutions like BlackBerry.
Since this tutorial is for Thunderbird contacts and calendar events you will need to install a calendar extension for Thunderbird, my recommendation is Lightning. Lightning is an add-on that is located on the Thunderbird Add-ons page.
Note: This tutorial was created when Funambol .5 was only compatible with Lightning .8. Make sure that you review compatibility requirements on both the Thunderbird Add-ons page and the open source page for Funambol.
After setting up Lightning proceed to download the Funambol plug-in, install, and configure.
1. Download Funambol for ThunderBird. Save the file. The file type is .xpi used for add-ons in Thunderbird. You can save the file to the Thunderbird extensions directory or you can save to a different location and browse for the file location when you add Funambol to Thunderbird.
2. Add Funambol to Thunderbird. If you saved the .xpi file in the Thunderbird extensions folder and restart Thunderbird it should see the new plug-in and ask to install, or you can select Tools - Add-ons - Install and browse to the location where you saved Funambol. Then restart Thunderbird.
3. Configure Funambol to connect to your SyncML server. After Thunderbird has restarted select Tools - Funambol Plug-in... and then select the Options button. This will bring up your Account configuration tab. Enter your SyncML server URL and the username and password for your SyncML account, usually your email address and password.
If your SyncML server requires unique Remote folder names for Contacts and/or Calender events you can specify the Remote name in the Details... button of the Synchronize tab.4. Synchronize your contacts and calendar events. That completes the configuration of Funambol. Typically your Thunderbird contacts and calendar events will sync with your mail servers Webmail contacts and calendar. Login to Webmail and you should see if the sync was a success.
If in the event the Sync does not work you can view the logs in Funambol from the Log tab - View Log... button.
