There are many different types of mobile devices including personal digital assistants (PDA's), cellular phones, and combination Cell Phone/PDA's. Each manufacturer provides a set of software tools that determine how the device connects and interacts with email services. Some of these devices work quite easily to connect to the campus email server, while others might not work at all, or require extra tools or applications. The information on this web page outlines a core set of information that may help you get started, but configuration details vary widely among devices and manufacturers. CIS offers this information based on our personal use and experience -- but makes no assurances that all devices will work in the same manner, or at all.

Will Your Device Work?

For optimal access to SPU email services and features from your mobile device there are two components recommended. Your device must be able to connect to the cellular data network (your device must have data services capability offered from your carrier), or the internet (like through a wireless connection); and the device must be running software that can connect to the SPU Email Server (Windows Mobile 5.0 or later, ActiveSync 4.1 or later).

ActiveSync
ActiveSync is a piece of email client software for Windows Mobile devices. ActiveSync can be configured to connect directly to the Microsoft Exchange Server and synchronize your email, calendar, tasks and contacts. Using ActiveSync with Windows Mobile 5.0 in this manner is the easiest, and most effective way to connect to SPU email services. These devices don't require a PC to get access to SPU mail servers. You may connect via the cellular data network of your carrier, or may also be able to use a wireless network to connect directly to the SPU mail server

ActiveSync can also be configured using a Windows PC as a "pass-through" device, but this is not required or may not be recommended for most users. See your mobile device's documentation for details. Many devices ship with setup software for this.

Blackberry's and Palm Devices?
We currently do not directly support Palm or Blackberry devices. However, these devices may still be capable of using IMAP to connect to the SPU Email Server. There may also be third party solutions to allow these devices to connect to Exchange, but we don't have experience or knowledge about these configurations.

If your device has data network access (either through the cellular network, or a separate wireless network connection), you can configure Microsoft ActiveSync on your device running Windows Mobile 5 to connect directly to the SPU email server. Go to ActiveSync -> Menu -> Configure Server. For the Server Address type: rpcmail.spu.edu. This server requires an SSL connection (select the check box). For Login credentials, type your SPU Username and Password. Type "accounts" for the domain. Click OK to save these settings.

Select the items you wish ActiveSync to synchronize from your email account. These will be listed under Exchange Server and could include Contacts, Calendar, Email, and Tasks. You might start with just your email, then add other items after your connection is tested and working properly.

Run ActiveSync to begin the synchronize process. Your may need to run this process several times when you initially start the process, depending on the volume in your email account. You should now be able to send and receive mail from your Windows Mobile device.

Set a ActiveSync Schedule if you want your mobile device to automatically connect and synchronize your email account.

Windows Mobile devices come in many models and varieties. Each manufacturer optimizes Windows Mobile for their device. Some of these modification work better than others. Your experience may vary depending on settings available, other software on the device, and coverage offered by your provider or the data network. Windows Mobile devices that try to synchronize while not in a coverage area may "lose" their settings and need to be configured again. You may also need to manually initiate ActiveSync to get your mobile device updated.

Cell phones receive updates and settings information from the cell provider via the cellular network. Restarting your device (or turn your cell device off/on) may occasionally be needed. You may need to remove the battery to perform a full system restart.

More advanced mobile devices may have multiple "wireless" connections. Devices sporting cell modems, Bluetooth, and true Wi-Fi (like PC accessible wireless networking) are not uncommon. ActiveSync email client synchronization can use the cellular network or a wireless network connection for synchronization via ActiveSync at this time. Make sure your default device settings are trying to ActiveSync via the cellular/data network, not a local PC as a pass-through connection.
Campus Cell Phones (cell phone service for staff and departments)