Introducing DejaConnect – USB Syncing Now Easier Than Ever

Syncing via USB shouldn’t be complicated.

It used to be that you could you could just plug in your phone to the computer and it would automatically start syncing. Somewhere along the way, we lost that standard.

Sure, today’s devices can sync with the cloud out of the box. That works well for some, but many of us still need the good, old-fashioned security of a USB sync. With DejaConnect USB, we’re making that sync easier than ever.

DejaConnect allows you to simply plug in your device to begin a sync. That’s it. It really can’t get much easier than that.

The first sync with DejaConnect mode requires a brief setup. After that, it’s up to you whether it syncs automatically when you plug it in, or only after you press sync. With DejaConnect, sync just happens. You don’t have to think about it, or worry if you’re doing it right. We’ll take care of the heavy lifting and let you focus on what’s important to you.

DejaConnect mode is currently in beta and is available in CompanionLink 5 build 5026 and DejaOffice 2.1.5 for Android. Download the updates today (CompanionLink | DejaOffice) to try it out for yourself. And be sure to let us know what you think!

USB Sync Comes to All webOS Devices

webOS USB Sync

If there’s one feature request we’ve received by webOS users more than any other, it’s expanded support for USB sync. We’ve heard you, and we’ve been working on a way to bring it to you. Today, I’m happy to report we’ve done just that!

With the latest version of CompanionLink 5, available for download today, Direct USB sync is supported for all devices running webOS up to the current version (3.0.4)! You can now sync contacts, calendars, tasks, & memos via USB directly to your webOS device!

Getting started is easy – just make sure you’re running the latest version of CompanionLink, then download the updated version of our “CL USB Sync” app on your HP webOS device. Grab it today from the webOS App Catalog. Then, follow the steps in our Setup Guide to sync with your CRM database!

We know this feature has been a long-time coming. We’re thrilled to be able to release it to you today and we’d love to hear what you think! Let us know in the comments.

Which Sync Method Is Best?

This post will help you understand the differences between the four sync methods that CompanionLink offers you: Direct USB Sync, Local WiFi Sync, Secure Hosted Wireless Sync, and Sync via Google. Below, I’ll explain each one to help you find the best sync method for your setup.

Direct USB Sync

This method synchronizes your data via USB cable. It’s the plain “old-fashioned” method that HotSync provided in the old days. Data is directly transferred to and from your device without the need of any cloud or hosted services. USB sync is recommended if:

  • you require a high level of security
  • you are averse to hosting your data in the cloud
  • you do not need your data synchronized continuously throughout the day

Simply dock your phone to your PC and sync.

Works with: Android, BlackBerry, and webOS devices

Pros:

  • Secure and direct transfer
  • Data is stored locally
  • HIPAA friendly

Cons:

  • Must be connected to PC
  • Not a direct sync for iOS devices*

*Syncs via Outlook/iTunes

Local WiFi Sync

This method uses your local WiFi network to securely sync information from your PC directly to DejaOffice on your device. Both your PC and device must be connected to the same WiFi internet connection. Local WiFi Sync will then detect when you are within range of your local WiFi network and sync in the background, hands-free!* WiFi Sync is your best choice if:

  • you want a quick, wireless options for syncing data
  • you are in and out of the office or house all day
  • you regularly update your data throughout the day

Set it up once, then enjoy the convenience of a wireless sync.

Works with: Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices

Pros:

  • Wireless sync – no cords!
  • Optional automatic sync*
  • AES-256bit encryption for security

Cons:

  • Range is limited to your local WiFi connection
  • Not available on BlackBerry, webOS, or Windows Phone

*Automatic sync is currently Android-only. iOS users must initiate the sync on the PC.

Secure Hosted Sync

Secure Hosted Sync is our most robust and reliable sync option. CompanionLink will sync your data securely to your device using AES-256 bit encryption. Most importantly, we do not host your data, meaning users who are concerned about security and hosting data online now have a convenient wireless sync option, all for just $9.95 per month! Secure Hosted Sync is recommended if:

  • you need a fast, secure, hands-free sync
  • you do not want your data hosted by a third party (such as Google)
  • you want the convenience of a wireless sync with the security of a wired sync

Secure Hosted Sync works in conjunction with our free Android and iOS app, DejaOffice (or DejaLink for BlackBerry users).

Works with: Android, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and BlackBerry devices

Pros:

  • Secure wireless sync
  • Works anywhere you have internet
  • We do not host your data
  • Automatic, real-time sync*

Cons:

  • Monthly fee
  • Not available on webOS or Windows Phone

*Currently Android-only. Coming soon on iOS, as well as for Zoho and SugarCRM.

Sync via Google

Sync via Google allows you to sync contacts, calendar and tasks from your PC to any Google, Gmail, or Google Apps account. Once your PC data has been synced to a Google account, Google provides wireless sync with most smartphone and tablet platforms. Sync via Google is best if:

  • you are looking for a free wireless sync option
  • you already rely heavily on Google for other services
  • you want hosted access to your data online
  • you have basic contact & calendar databases*

For more information on how to sync your device with your Google account, visit google.com/sync.

Works with: Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and webOS devices

Pros:

  • Free wireless sync
  • Creates an online backup of your data
  • Sync your Google account to multiple devices

Cons:

  • Data is hosted by a 3rd party
  • Google controls the sync process to your device
  • Data is limited to basic contacts & calendars

*Google imposes certain limitations on the type of data we can sync. As such, we do not recommend Sync via Google for those with more complex databases.

USB sync with Palm Pre

CompanionLink announced the first USB sync solution with Palm Pre.  Before this solution, users had to sync data over-the-air or through their web-based Google/Gmail account.  For many, this was an unnecessary step that they didn’t want to do.  Also, users with sensitive customer data could not store their data in the cloud or sync via WiFi.

CompanionLink for webOS USB is a new software solution that does a direct USB sync with Palm Pre using the MicroUSB cable that comes with the phone. Data is securely synchronized two-ways when the phone is docked to the PC.

Data is syncs:

  • Contacts
  • Calendar
  • Tasks with categories
  • Memos with categories and priorities

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