Computer Services - Help Pages
SmartPhone OS and Support
Introduction
SmartPhones are cell phones. That seems really fundamental, but we have to understand that at their heart smartphones are designed around a traditional cell phone.
Everything that the SmartPhone offers beyond cellular communication is an additional feature. For this reason, there can be difficulties configuring particular SmartPhones for some uses.
The key differentiator in SmartPhones is the operating system. SmartPhones have more in common with computers than they do with telephones, so the operating system that controls the device is of key interest. There are six operating systems currently used by SmartPhone manufacturers, but only the Windows Mobile OS is supported by Computer Services.
Operating Systems Supported by Computer Services
Windows Mobile from Microsoft
Windows mobile is the new standard offered by Microsoft for mobile devices of all classes running a Windows operating system. You may submit an SPC computer service request if you have difficulties getting your Windows mobile device connected to the network.
Cedarville's use of a Novell GroupWise Mobile Server allows us to seamlessly synchronize and secure e-mail, calendar, task, and contact information from a user’s GroupWise account to their cell phone.
Operating Systems Not Supported by Computer Services
Blackberry OS (operating system) from RIM
Blackberry is probably the most recognized name in the mobile operating system market. It has evolved quite differently from all other competitors. Originally designed for business use (always connected to e-mail and calendar applications,) it has only recently added full multi-media support to its line.
iPhone OS (operating system) from Apple, Inc.
While widely considered a smart phone, primarily due to its innovation, the iPhone does not offer true business-class communications connections. What the iPhone does, it does really well. Apple products tend to offer a level of elegance that is hard for other operating systems to match. The key drawback of "no business e-mail /calendar support" can be somewhat mitigated by how easy it is to utilize the Internet connectivity built into the iPhone. Another distinguishing factor of the iPhone is its inclusion of WiFi connection, which allows the user to utilize available wireless hot spots and access points.
Linux OS (operating system) developed originally as open-source software. Few smartphones use Linux as the full operating system, but many use it as a platform on which to build their phone’s OS. Like Symbian OS-based phones, it is unlikely that any of the major cellular service providers will sell a Linux OS-based phone to a consumer.
Palm OS (operating system) developed by PalmSource
It is most likely that this OS will be found on older Palm-specific devices. Palm has been utilizing Windows Mobile software in the majority of its recent smartphone development.
Symbian OS (operating system) from Symbian, Ltd.
The Symbian OS is the most prevalent OS world-wide, but enjoys less popularity in North America. There is little probability of purchasing a Symbian OS-based phone from any of the main cellular service providers in the U.S.
That’s a lot of information concerning a small device, but the impact of cell phones on our culture is truly astounding. Computer Services has had to make some decisions regarding standardization of support due to the number of cell phones available, combined with the diversity among operating systems and wireless communications choices.
Therefore, Computer Services will fully support only those cell phones (and handheld devices) with Windows Mobile-based OS.
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