Re: A design issue: Should I use ActiveSync or RAPI?

Appreciated. I guess some experiements are in order. Thanks.

"r_z_aret@xxxxxxxxxxxx" wrote:

On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:48:01 -0700, WoodenMecca
<WoodenMecca@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I'm writing a program to sync two flat files between a PC and a device. I've
done some study and I'm certain both ActiveSync and RAPI will meet my needs,
although the cost is different, so I'm now more inclined to RAPI. But the
question is: In terms of user experience, which one is more "seamless?"

RAPI requires ActiveSync (or Windows Mobile Device Center), and
ActiveSync (or WMDC) is free. So I haven't found any cost difference.



From as much (little) as I know about RAPI, it seems that it's run outside
of ActiveSync. That is, if I do an ActiveSync provider to sync the two files,
the synch'ing will be done during any normal ActiveSync cycle; to users, this
is seamless. But if I use RAPI, it seems that it's not automatically called
when ActiveSync is running. It seems that the user has to manually select a
command or push a button from inside of my app to start a RAPI session to
sync the files.

False. ActiveSync and RAPI use the same underlying transport
mechanism. For info about starting apps automatically, see my 22
October 2003 contribution to a thread called " How to check Pocket PC
is Connected or not?" in this newsgroup.



Can somebody tell me if I'm right or wrong?

Right now what I can think of is I do an ActiveSync provider, but it's just
a skeleton, i.e., all functions return S_OK as if it's working properly. But
at some point (which point is better???), the program does its own synch'ing
by using RAPI, which may take up to a few minutes. To me, the benefit is the
programming is easier; to users, he doesn't need an extra operation to sync
the files, it's all done in one ActiveSync.

I have one app that uses RAPI. I've never even tried to write an
ActiveSync provider. So I can't help you decide between them. But I'm
sure no one will be able to help you choose without more detail.



Is this kind of coexistence allowed under ActiveSync? Or, any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

-----------------------------------------
To reply to me, remove the underscores (_) from my email address (and please indicate which newsgroup and message).

Robert E. Zaret, eMVP
PenFact, Inc.
20 Park Plaza, Suite 478
Boston, MA 02116
www.penfact.com

.

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