GroupWise PDA Connections

There are four basic ways for University employees to access our GroupWise email system with your PDA or cell phone. Each method enables you to access your GroupWise information including mail, calendar, contacts, task etc. Several ways allow real-time access to your data over a wireless transmission (either Cell or WiFi ), while one requires a connection to your PC. Three methods allow data to be downloaded (“synchronized”) into your PDA's internal calendar and contact list; one method permits you to use your phone or PDA browser for real-time access to your GroupWise account , but does not synchronize to your PDA's internal data. They are described below:

1. Automatic synchronization for cell-phone capable PDAs

This connection allows your cell-phone capable PDA to synchronize with GroupWise at set intervals to keep your data up-to-date. This process will continue to update the data on your PDA in any location where you have cell phone coverage. In addition to a PDA with cell phone capability, you will need a cell calling plan including data service. For more information regarding devices that are supported through this service, please see http://www.novell.com/products/groupwise/mobileserver/device_support.html .

If you have a supported device and you would like to connect your PDA device, goto http://groupwise.usouthal.edu/gwmobilitysetup.htm for setup instructions.

2. Automatic synchronization for WiFi capable PDAs

WiFi is available in all the USA hospitals and much of campus, and has become popular in hotels, restaurants and bookstores; of course, many individuals with broadband Internet have set up WiFi in their homes. Similar to the cell-phone connection, WiFi allows your PDA to synchronize with GroupWise and keep your data up-to-date. In addition to a PDA with WiFi capability, you might need an access account depending on whose WiFi network you are accessing. For more information regarding devices that are supported through this service, please see http://www.novell.com/products/groupwise/mobileserver/device_support.html .

3. Synchronization through GroupWise PDA Connect

GroupWise PDA Connect synchronizes your data in a manner similar to the first two, but requires that your PDA be connected to your personal computer during the synchronization process. It is comprised of a synchronization engine and translators, which are used to seamlessly integrate Palm OS and Windows Pocket PC. This connection requires either a USB or Bluetooth connection. For more information on this option, please see http://groupwise.usouthal.edu/gwpda.htm

4. Internet Browser over Cell or WiFi connection

If your PDA or cell phone has the ability to connect to the Internet, you may use its browser to access the GroupWise webmail interface. This provides you with real-time access to your data, but synchronization is not an option. For more information on this option, please see http://groupwise.usouthal.edu/gwfaq.htm#WAP

For Further Assistance

If you wish assistance in connecting your PDA to the GroupWise system, please send an email to the Academic Computing Office of the University Computer Services Center at acad@jaguar1.usouthal.edu . Please specify the model of your current PDA or cell phone and cell phone service provider, if applicable, along with a daytime telephone number at which you can be reached. If you have further questions about the service, you may also talk with Academic Computing staff by calling the Computer Services Center during business hours at 460-6161 – ask for “Academic Computing”.