Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is AstraSync?
A: AstraSync is a software application for BlackBerry Smartphones that performs two-way over-the-air synchronization
of email, calendar and contact data with an ActiveSync server such as Microsoft Exchange, MailSite Fusion or Kerio
Mail Server. It only needs to be installed on the BlackBerry device. As long as the Mail server can handle ActiveSync,
no firewall changes need to be made.
Q: How does AstraSync synchronize with Microsoft Exchange or MailSite Fusion?
A: AstraSync implements the Exchange ActiveSync protocol in a similar manner to Windows Mobile, Android and iPhone devices.
Q: Why does AstraSync support Microsoft Exchange, MailSite Fusion, Zimbra and Kerio but not all ActiveSync servers?
A: AstraSync has been fully tested with many leading servers. If your email server supports the Exchange ActiveSync
protocol AstraSync should also work with it. If you require specific assistance or information on support for your email
server, please contact AstraSync sales.
Q: Does it work with BES or BIS?
A: AstraSync establishes a direct secure https connection between the BlackBerry Smartphone and the Exchange 2007 or
MailSite Fusion server. Customers using AstraSync do not need to purchase a BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) and are not
dependent on the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS).
Q: Is there any advantage to AstraSync over BES or BIS?
A: Customers can realize many benefits by not using the BES or BIS. Costs are dramatically lower since the BES license costs
are substantial. Reliability is substantially higher since there are 50% fewer components to fail. Users are more productive
since the inbox, calendars and contacts are always 100% in sync and it is no longer necessary to manage a duplicate inbox on
the Smartphone.
Q: How does AstraSync impact my data plan?
A: If you have an unlimited data plan then there will be no difference in cost when using AstraSync in place of BES or BIS.
AstraSync works with any data plan so you may be able to switch to a lower cost data plan than the BlackBerry Enterprise
data plan. If you have a metered data plan then although ActiveSync is an efficient protocol, AstraSync may use more data
than BES or BIS. AstraSync can also use Wi-Fi if available without the need of a data plan subscription.
Q: Does AstraSync work with the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software?
A: Yes, AstraSync can work alongside the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. It is important to note that synchronization of
Calendars and Contacts between AstraSync and the email server is over-the-air, and so these items should not be synchronized
using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager as duplication may occur.
Q: Does AstraSync support languages other than English?
A: Support for multiple languages in in development.
Q: Why does AstraSync use the native BlackBerry Smartphone interfaces for calendar and contact data but not for email?
A: There are legal issues integrating with the native BlackBerry message store which prevent us from shipping a version of
AstraSync which does this.
Q: Why does AstraSync not use the new message indicator light?
A: If you want to use native alert profiles including support for the BlackBerry LED, please download and install the free
Monitor app on your blackberry from http://m.monitor4bb.com.
Q: Does AstraSync synchronize in real-time?
A: If you enable DirectPush in the AstraSycn Sync Settings, server side changes to Email, Calendar and Contacts will be
synchronized instantaneously. If DirectPush is not enabled, server side changes will synchronize according to the schedule
you choose. Client-side changes to Calendars and Contacts are synchronized every 30 minutes as they do not change
infrequently and this reduces battery consumption on the device.
Q: If both Wi-Fi and Cellular data connections are available, which will AstraSync use?
A: You can select to use either Wi-Fi or cellular as your preferred or only connection method in the AstraSync settings.
Q: How is AstraSync licensed?
A: You need an AstraSync license for each email account you want to sync. You can move AstraSync to a new device, but a
single AstraSync license may only connect to one ActiveSync account.
Q: Where do I report problems?
A: First search the AstraSync forum to see whether your issue has been encountered before: http://forum.astrasync.com.
If your issue is new, ask for help by posting the best description you can to the forum under the relevant section.
Q: Why is my battery life shorter than before installing AstraSync?
A: AstraSync has to maintain an open connection to the server to listen for changes. This inevitably leads to the battery draining faster. Our testing has shown that users can expect to get 2 to 3 days life out of their battery even with a busy mailbox and moderate call usage. Battery consumption is significantly reduces if you choose to install the free Monitor app from http://m.monitor4bb.com.
Q: I have a good idea for AstraSync, how do I suggest an enhancement?
A: Please go to the forum: http://forum.astrasync.com/ and look for the "AstraSync Enhancements" section. If your idea is not listed here, please make a new post.
Q: How is AstraSync related to MailSite?
A: AstraSync is a completely separate product from the MailSite Fusion messaging server. Both AstraSync and MailSite Fusion are developed by Rockliffe Systems, Inc.
Q: Will there be future versions of AstraSync?
A: Yes. There are firm plans to address the most commonly requested improvements and to ensure that AstraSync continues to support a wide range of servers and devices.
Q: Does AstraSync encrypt communications with the server?
A: That depends on the options you select both in AstraSync and in the server. There is a "Use SSL" option in the Server
Configuration screen. If checked, AstraSync will attempt to make an https connection with the server. You should configure
your Exchange or MailSite server to only allow secure connections so that all data will be encrypted.
Q: Why doesn’t AstraSync display HTML messages?
A: AstraSync version 4 and later provides support for HTML. You can enable this from within the email settings option
in the application.
Q: When newer versions of AstraSync are released, how will I be notified and how will I be able to install them? Will there be an upgrade fee?
A: AstraSync periodically checks for updates, and so you will be notified in the application that there is a newer version
available for download. AstraSync is licensed rather than purchased. You are therefore entitled to all upgrades that are
released during your subscription period for no additional fee.
