Nokia has released version 8.5 of Intellisync Mobile Suite. This is a significant release of the software for two reasons: firstly the solution has been ported to run on a Linux-based server rather than Microsoft Windows Server-based, and secondly because it also now comprises another Nokia server product: Nokia’s OMA DM solution for the E-Series range of handsets.

This additional functionality means that supported devices can be remotely provisioned with settings over the air via SMS using the SyncML protocol.

It is important to note that this release includes the Device Management module of the Intellisync Mobile Suite ONLY: wireless email, file sync and data sync modules are not included.

Because the solution is completely Linux-based, all management is done via a web interface - no longer requiring a Windows environment to run an MMC snap-in. This also means that all aspects of the solution's functionality can be configured from any suitable web browser - both locally via the LAN and also remotely. Administration via the web interface is much smoother: because the entire interface is HTML-driven, any area where a device is listed, be it a list of devices that a given publication has been successfully pushed to, an entry in a user activity log report, etc, full information on that device's hardware and software can be accessed by clicking on a single link.

Administrators familiar with previous versions of Intellisync should note that no new functionality is added in this release of the Device Management component. There are a couple of nice touches, like User Groups can now be nested. It is the addition of the OMA DM functionality that will be massive boon for users of Symbian devices. 

OMA DM is the Open Mobile Alliance Device Management server, based on the SyncML protocol, using XML schema to remotely provision supported devices with service settings, applications, patches, etc.  

Using OMA DM, device management profiles are sent to the remote device via PIN-protected SMS message to establish a connection between the Intellisync server and the mobile device. This profile will contain information on the Internet Access Point to use as well as details of the Intellisync server to connect to (IP address, port, username and password). When the message is received on the device, the user enters the correct PIN code and accepts the connection.

Once the connection is established, the connection can be used to download and install applications remotely to the device and to deliver the following additional settings to the device:

•    Email settings
•    Data synchronisation settings
•    SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) settings
•    SCCP (Skinny Client Control Protocol) settings (used to connect to Cisco Call Manager)
•    VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) settings (Internet Telephony)
•    Advanced device management settings
•    Device control settings

Settings can be tailored on a per-user or per-group basis, or alternatively on a per-device basis.

The solution also allows the administrator to remotely install and configure applications on the mobile device. Packages are included by default for the following applications:
 
·      Nokia Business Center
·      Nokia Device Management Enhancements
·      Nokia Mail for Exchange
·      Symantec Mobile Security
 
It is possible to add new installation packages and configuration files for new versions of existing applications, or new software (Symbian-native or Java-based). Any application can be delivered provided that the administrator has access to the Device Description Framework (DDF) document for the application, which defines the settings that need to be defined for that application on the OMA DM server.

More information can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OMA_Device_Management
http://www.openmobilealliance.org/tech/wg_committees/dm.html

 

 
Read this forum article for more information on how to install the solution on Linux:

http://forum.devicewire.com/forums/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=646#646