Google has announced that they will stop supporting Google Sync in Gmail from the 30th of January 2013. Google Sync is used to access Google Mail, Calendar, and contacts via Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync protocol.
What Google is basically doing is withdrawing support for Microsoft Exchange, and from the 30th of January, you will not be able to set up a new account with Google Sync.
Google Sync was designed to allow access to Google Mail, Calendar, and Contacts via the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® protocol. With the recent launch of CardDAV, Google now offers similar access via IMAP, CalDAV, and CardDAV, making it possible to build a seamless sync experience using open protocols. Starting January 30, 2013, consumers won’t be able to set up new devices using Google Sync; however, existing Google Sync connections will continue to function. Google Sync will continue to be fully supported for Google Apps for Business, Government, and Education. Users of those products are unaffected by this announcement.
Impact on Users
If you have an existing Google Sync account, you will be able to continue to use it. However, Google has not given any details on how long the service will be available to existing users. This means that while your current setup will remain functional, it is advisable to start considering alternative methods for syncing your data. Google has recommended using open protocols like IMAP, CalDAV, and CardDAV, which are widely supported and offer similar functionality.
For individual users, this change might require some adjustments. For instance, if you are using a device that relies heavily on Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, you may need to reconfigure your email, calendar, and contact settings to use the new protocols. This could involve some initial setup time, but it will ensure that your data continues to sync seamlessly across your devices.
Alternatives and Future Directions
Google’s decision to phase out Google Sync in favor of open protocols aligns with a broader industry trend towards interoperability and open standards. IMAP, CalDAV, and CardDAV are widely supported by a variety of email clients and devices, making them a robust alternative to proprietary protocols like Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.
For example, IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) is a standard email protocol that stores email messages on a mail server and allows the user to view and manipulate them as though they were stored locally on their device. This means that changes made on one device (such as marking an email as read) will be reflected on all other devices accessing the same account.
CalDAV (Calendaring Extensions to WebDAV) is a protocol that allows users to access and manage calendar events on a remote server. It is supported by many calendar applications, including Apple’s Calendar app and Mozilla’s Thunderbird.
CardDAV (vCard Extensions to WebDAV) is a protocol for syncing contact information. It allows users to store and retrieve contact data on a server, ensuring that contact lists are consistent across multiple devices.
By adopting these open protocols, Google is not only enhancing the flexibility and compatibility of its services but also encouraging a more open and interconnected digital ecosystem. This move is likely to benefit users in the long run, as it reduces dependency on proprietary systems and promotes greater choice and innovation in the tools and services available to them.
In conclusion, while the discontinuation of Google Sync may pose some short-term inconveniences for users, the transition to open protocols like IMAP, CalDAV, and CardDAV offers a more sustainable and versatile solution for syncing email, calendar, and contact data. Users are encouraged to explore these alternatives and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth transition.
Source Google
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