10 Jul Connecting Outlook 2013 to MDaemon – POP Vs. IMAP Vs. ActiveSync
With the recent release of MDaemon 13.5 Alt-N have upgraded the built in ActiveSync server which now includes support for the latest ActiveSync protocol used by Outlook 2013. This update adds additional ActiveSync policy support but also it allows MDaemon to provide native ActiveSync support for Outlook 2013 as well as the built in Windows 8 Mail App.
So what does this mean to Outlook 2013 owners?
In previous versions of MDaemon connecting Outlook 2013 was only possible through the use of standard email protocols such as POP3 or IMAP. These methods do offer basic email services but in order to synchronise non-mail folders such as calendars and contacts too ActiveSync or Outlook Connector is required. To help understand this better and to see where ActiveSync fits in, lets look in more detail at the four ways you can connect Outlook 2013 to MDaemon 13.5 and how they compare.
Methods to connect Outlook 2013 to MDaemon
POP3
Advantages
- All email clients support POP3 (not just Outlook)
- No additional licence requirements
Disadvantages
- Does not synchronise across multiple PC’s / Clients
- Requires SMTP server for sending
- No central ‘Sent Items’ Folder
- Email only
- Requires regular local client backup for Outlook
- ‘Leave messages on server’ option can fail leading to duplicates
- Requires regular polling of mailbox leading to delay in receiving email
IMAP
Advantages
- All email clients support IMAP (not just Outlook)
- No additional licence requirements
- Synchronise across multiple PCs’s /Clients
- Central ‘Sent Items’ Folder
Disadvantages
- Requires SMTP server for Sending
- Email only
- Requires regular local client backup for calendar contacts tasks in Outlook
- Requires regular polling of mailbox leading to delay in receiving email
ActiveSync
Advantages
- Built into outlook 2013
- Push email
- Synchronise personal email, calendar contacts and tasks across multiple PC’s /Clients
- Central ‘Sent Items’ Folder
- No need to use SMTP for sending emails
- Simple setup
- Works with 3rd party antivirus Outlook plug-ins
- Supports EAS protocol versions 2.5, 12.1, 14.0 and 14.1.
Disadvantages
- Extra ActiveSync licence required in MDaemon
- No Support for Public of Shared resources
- Unable to move items into other data stores such as PST
Outlook Connector
Advantages
- Synchronise personal email, calendar, contacts and tasks across multiple PC’s /Clients
- Central ‘Sent Items’ Folder
- Support for Public or Shared resources
- Natively configure MDaemon based ‘Out of Office’
Disadvantages
- Extra Outlook Connector licence required in MDaemon
- Outlook Connector client required to be installed
- Requires SMTP server to send email
- Can sometimes clash with 3rd Party antivirus Outlook plugins
In Summary…
Its clear that POP3 is antiquated email solution and while IMAP appeals because it offers native two way synchronisation of email, it is just email data which is a significant limitation. Outlook Connector offers a full suite of Exchange-like collaboration features for all versions of Outlook, but it does require a client side installation where ActiveSync doesn’t. For Outlook 2013 users who want a quick and easy connection method who can live without support for Public and Shared folders, ActiveSync is the ideal alternative. The setup is a simple as adding an email address and password, and exactly the same process that Microsoft use when joining Outlook 2013 to their own ‘Outlook.com’ hosted offering.
Great, so how do i get ActiveSync working in MDaemon?
To help guide you through the full process of setting up ActiveSync server within MDaemon and then connecting Outlook 2013 clients we have put together the following knowledge base article. Needless to say the most important steps relate to setting up a SSL certificate for added security. However if you have already purchased a root trusted SSL certificate the process is much easier. Dont forget if you need any help let us know by contacting support@zensoftware.co.uk
Related articles
- Changes to ActiveSync licencing for MDaemon Messaging Server (zensoftware.co.uk)
- MDaemon 13.5 now available – Outlook 2013 support and lots more in the Exchange alternative for SMB’s! (zensoftware.co.uk)
- MDaemon 13.5 is Here! New Features for Admins and End Users (community.spiceworks.com)
