Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening a communications port for communication over a wireless communication network. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for opening a virtual communications (VCOM) port that is configured with a particular profile over a Bluetooth network. After an attempt to open the VCOM port is received from a first application at a first electronic device, the process is suspended until a communication path is established over the Bluetooth communication network between the first electronic device and a remote electronic device within a Bluetooth network. The remote electronic device may be selected by a user from a list of available devices. In another embodiment, a user may pre-configure the VCOM port for a specific functional profile and pre-configure a remote electronic device to the VCOM port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simultaneous transfer of database updates between multiple clients and a server. A plurality of (potentially limited resource) clients simultaneously establishes (e.g., TCP) connections to a server. Database updates are efficiently transferred between the server and each of the plurality of clients simultaneously. Server resources are utilized at the server to resolve any data conflicts such that the limited resources (e.g., system memory) of any clients are conserved. Clients that receive database updates overwrite existing client database with the received database updates. In preparation for receiving a database update, clients can empty a client database such that a received database update is more efficiently written into the client database.

Abstract: Within one embodiment of the present invention, arbitration software operating on a computer is able to determine whether communication software utilizes the same serial communication (COM) port of the computer as a HotSync Manager. If they do use the same serial COM port, the present embodiment arbitration software shuts down the HotSync Manager, if its running, thereby enabling the serial COM port to be utilized for other purposes (e.g., wireless modem communication). However, if the present embodiment arbitration software detects a HotSync Request received via the serial COM port, it runs the HotSync Manager enabling a HotSync process to occur between (for example) a personal digital assistant (PDA) and the computer. Once the present embodiment arbitration software detects the completion of the HotSync process, it shuts down the HotSync Manager until it detects the next HotSync Request.