Microsoft Sync Framework (MSF) – FAQ

What is the Microsoft Sync Framework?

Microsoft Sync Framework is a comprehensive synchronization platform enabling collaboration and

offline access for applications, services and devices. Developers can build sync ecosystems that integrate
any application, any data from any store using any protocol over any network. With the Microsoft Sync
Framework, developers can:

 Easily build collaboration and offline capabilities into new and existing applications, services, and
devices
 Roam and share information in any data store, over any protocol, and in any network configuration
 Leverage sync capabilities exposed from Microsoft assets and platforms to boost productivity and
performance

When will the Microsoft Sync Framework be available?

The Microsoft Sync Framework CTP1 will be available for download November 5 th, 2007. The Microsoft
Sync Framework will also be included within SQL Server 2008 as well as the next release of Visual Studio
Orcas.

Where can I get the Microsoft Sync Framework?

Please visit http://msdn.microsoft.com/sync to download a copy of the Microsoft Sync Framework.

What languages are supported by the Microsoft Sync Framework?

Currently, English is the only supported language by the Microsoft Sync Framework.

How much does the Microsoft Sync Framework cost?

The Microsoft Sync Framework is free on Windows and Windows Mobile devices. Support for other
platforms is available through commercial licensing and porting kits

I can’t make changes to my data store, is that a problem?

No, the Microsoft Sync Framework uses a rich metadata model to enable collaboration and offline. The
metadata can exist anywhere, meaning no application or data store changes are required.

What is included in the Microsoft Sync Framework?

The Microsoft Sync Framework includes the following components:

  Microsoft Sync Framework Runtime – An SDK which allows developers to create custom
providers enabling new applications, services and data stores to participate in the
synchronization ecosystem
 Sync Services for ADO.NET – An ADO.NET based providers which allows synchronizing relational
data using a REST style interfaces allowing data to be taken offline
 Sync Services for File Systems – A ready-to-configure provider capable of representing any
Win32 compatible file system (e.g. FAT, NTFS, and removable device). This provider handles
challenges such as change detection on FAT volumes, name-name collision resolution, update-
delete conflicts, and the ability to preview a synchronization action.
 Sync Services for Simple Sharing Extensions (SSE) – Full support for producing and consuming
RSS and ATOM feeds from any provider.
 SQL Server Compact Metadata Store – A component that can be used by developers for storing
sync metadata such as versions, anchors, and change detection information. This component
greatly simplifies the development of custom providers that do not have a natural place to store
metadata.

What platforms does the Microsoft Sync Framework support?

Out-of-the box, the Microsoft Sync Framework supports windows platforms including 2K3, XP, Vista and
Windows Mobile (coming in CTP2). Support for other platforms is available through commercial licensing
and porting kits.

What data stores can the Microsoft Sync Framework synchronize?

Microsoft Sync Framework supports synchronization of any content such as email, contacts, calendar,
audio, video, settings and files/folders.

How is Sync Services for ADO.NET different than the Microsoft Sync Framework?

Sync Services for ADO.NET is a component of the Microsoft Sync Framework. Included in Sync Services
for ADO.NET are providers that allow synchronization of relational database systems enabling offline
data access.

Can the Microsoft Sync Framework enable synchronization to remote offices?

Yes, using Sync Services for ADO.NET information from corporate servers can be synchronized down to
remote office or retail store databases. Remote office workers can then access information locally while
information is being exchanged between the remote office and the corporate server’s databases.

What is a provider?

Providers enable any data sources to participate in the Microsoft Sync Framework
synchronization process allowing offline and collaboration of application, data and services.
A number of providers have been included out-of-the-box that support many common data
sources. Although they are not required, to minimize development, it is recommended that
developers use these providers wherever possible. The following are the providers
included:
  Sync Service for ADO.NET: Synchronization for ADO.NET enabled data sources
 Sync Service for File Systems: Synchronization for files and folders
 Sync Service for SSE: Synchronization for Simple Sharing Extensions such as RSS
and ATOM feeds
Developers can ultimately use any of the out-of-the-box providers or can create custom
providers to exchange information between devices and applications.

Can I build my own provider to access my data?

Yes, the Microsoft Sync Framework Runtime is a component of the Microsoft Sync Framework which
provides an SDK allowing developers to create custom providers enabling new applications, services and
data stores to participate in the synchronization ecosystem

Does the Microsoft Sync Framework support peer-to-peer synchronization?

Yes, the Microsoft Sync Framework allows any applications, devices, or service to participate in true peer
to peer or hub/spoke topologies.

Can I synchronize information between my mobile device and my Oracle and IBM database?

Yes, Sync Services for ADO.NET enables any ADO.NET enabled relational database (such as Oracle and
IBM) to participate in synchronization.

Can I synchronize information between devices using Bluetooth and Infrared?

Yes, with the Microsoft Sync Framework, you can use any existing architectures and protocols including
Bluetooth and Infrared to synchronize data between devices and servers. The Sync Framework’s
transport-agnostic architecture allows integration of sync into a variety of protocols including over-the-air
and embedded devices.

Does the Microsoft Sync Framework use managed or unmanaged code?

The Microsoft Sync Framework can be built using managed or unmanaged code.