This article provides you with information regarding Synchronization tools for Smartermail





SmarterMail is a powerful collaboration mail server that supports the synchronization of emails, calendars, tasks, notes, and contacts on desktop applications like Microsoft Outlook and over-the-air synchronization for most popular mobile devices and tablets.


Here is a list of the supported protocols for syncing with SmarterMail:


MAPI/EWS: MAPI/EWS (Exchange Web Services) is available for use with Outlook 2011/2016 for Mac and Apple Mail (EWS) and Outlook 2016 for Windows and above (MAPI). MAPI is the same synchronization protocol used by Microsoft Exchange for Outlook for Windows, and SmarterMail is the only other mail server other than Exchange to offer native MAPI support. Both protocols use push technology to sync emails, contacts, calendars, tasks and notes to Outlook for MacOS, Apple Mail, Apple Calendars, Apple Notes and Outlook 2016 and above for Windows. MAPI/EWS is offered as an annual paid bundle that requires active Maintenance and Support.


EAS: Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) is available for use with iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. It is a popular method of syncing because it allows users to sync emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks (depending on the device) using only one protocol. It also syncs using push technology so all of your information is delivered in real-time. EAS is an annual paid add-on that requires active Maintenance and Support. 


IMAP: IMAP is the recommended protocol for syncing emails and can be used on smartphones, tablets and almost all desktop email clients. IMAP provides a sync of all mail folders between the server and device/application. IMAP is a robust protocol and is recommended for syncing large mailboxes, generally any mailbox over 1GB in size.


POP3: POP3 is another method of syncing emails. POP3 will download only the inbox. By default, the emails will be downloaded to the device/application and deleted off of the server. However, depending on the device/application there may be an option to allow the emails to stay on the server rather than being deleted.


CardDAV: CardDAV is an extension of the WebDAV protocol that syncs SmarterMail contacts -- including contact pictures -- natively with Macs, iPads, iPhones, and other devices/applications that use the technology. There are apps for Android that support CardDAV as well.


CalDAV: CalDAV is an extension of the WebDAV protocol that syncs SmarterMail calendars natively with Macs, iPads, iPhones, Thunderbird, and other devices/applications that use the technology. There are apps for Android that support CalDAV as well.

So how do these syncing protocols work in the real world? Let's say Company A has a mix of Outlook 2019 for Windows and Outlook for MacOS users, as well as a mixture of iPhones and Android devices. Their ideal options -- the ones that give their users the greatest amount of flexibility and functionality for the day-to-day operation --  are as follows:


Desktop Solution:

  • Emails, Contacts, Calendars, Tasks, and Notes can be synced using MAPI/EWS. This bundle accommodates both Windows and macOS users, regardless of the clients being used. For example, EWS works for Apple Mail as well as eM Client on Windows. MAPI is THE most robust protocol for Outlook for Windows. 

Mobile Solution:

  • Emails, Contacts, Calendars, Tasks, and Notes (depending on the device) can be synced with EAS. EAS offers users Microsoft Exchange-level functionality but on a mobile device. In addition, EAS is THE de facto syncing protocol for mobile users.
Of course, there are options using IMAP, POP3, WebDav and the like, but for both desktop and mobile, using MAPI/EWS and EAS is the best call as it gives users all of the features and functionality they expect when using a mail server, regardless of the client being used.