Zimbra Open Source + iPhone + Push Notifications

[MiddleBrooker]

Hi,
I'm using Zimbra Open Source Edition in my home enviroment from 4 years and it's really a great mail server.

Now I would like to try the new Push Notifications that comes with the 3.0 iPhone firmware, I've saw a client on the Zimbra Blog and I'm wondering if is the solution is available for the Open Source Edition too.

Many thanks!!

MB

[uxbod]

Unfortunately that is a feature of the Network Edition. You could such the forums for Funabol.

[MiddleBrooker]

Hi,
I've already googled for information about Funambol & the Zimbra Connector and I'm making some test with a virtual machine, but the Funambol client seems to sync just calendar, tasts and contacts ... is this right?
Anyway I've not properly configured it but I've not found so many information regarding mail and push notifications, any explain will be very helpful.

Thanks!!
MB

[phoenix]

Zimbra uses IMAP Idle, if you have an unlimited data plan then you should see the mail on your phone as it's received (depending on your mail client).

[MiddleBrooker]

Hi,
thank you for the reply.

I've an account with unlimited quota and many folders inside, I like to keep mail in order by using rules on the web client that automatically archive new email in the right folder.

Actually the iPhone mail client (IMAP) is not checking all the folders in my account, I have to open them manually to refresh content and get new messages.

Maybe I'm missing something in configuration?
Thanks!!

MB

[uxbod]

Nope, that is how the Iphone works as it will only poll the Inbox. This cuts down on the amount of data transfer.

[MiddleBrooker]

OK! Thanks for the reply.

So what can I do?
I like the little popup of push notifications, I would like to have something similar for my email...the server is installed in my home so I've no limit in configuration.

Anyway many thanks for all the help.
Regards.

MB

[andyc]

Originally Posted by MiddleBrooker

I like the little popup of push notifications, I would like to have something similar for my email...the server is installed in my home so I've no limit in configuration.

Unfortunately, the iPhone push notification system is different than the push synchronization that you get for mail, calendar, and contacts in the Network edition.

I have asked Apple engineers about their push notification system and how it could be used with an open source server solution like Zimbra. The answer was that you couldn't make an app that would be able to talk to any Zimbra server. The iPhone push notifications only work with a native iPhone application that uses a certificate to identify itself with Apple's notification servers. So the application would be tied to a specific server.

One solution would be to have an iPhone push notification proxy. But someone would have to be the point of contact with Apple's notification service. Then other Zimbra servers could push their notifications through that. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening.

[MiddleBrooker]

Hi,
thank you for the reply, now it's clear how it works.

Anyway the iPhone native application is here, but only for the Network edition....is there any chances that it'll be available for the Open Source People too?

Will be great ;-)

Regards,
MB

[uxbod]

Originally Posted by MiddleBrooker

is there any chances that it'll be available for the Open Source People too?

I would very much doubt it; otherwise Zimbra may aswell give the NE version away free This is just one of the key features of upgrading from FOSS to NE.