Abstract: The invention relates to performing server initiated database synchronisation between a mail server 10 and a client on a mobile computing device 70. Both the mail server and the client are provided with a copy of a user mailbox 40, 40A. When a message for that user is received at the mail server, this is stored in their server mailbox. The mail server then initiates a link with the client and prompts it to dial into the mail server in order to synchronise its local copy of the mailbox with the server copy. In this manner new mail is automatically transferred to the client device upon receipt at the mail server.

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus, and computer programs for self-generating device names for communications devices using processes running on the device. The device names are then used to enable the devices to be identified during network communications. This avoids the configuration overhead inherent in requiring unique device names to be allocated by a central naming authority. Uniqueness of device names is achieved by a class-based naming convention in which class names are associated with device types and unique device identifiers are allocated for devices within a class. The device identifiers of one class may have a very different format from device identifiers in other classes, and processes are provided for interpreting the different formats of device identifier to identify individual devices.

Abstract: A system for providing position data in a pre-determined format to a device (e.g. a smartphone, laptop etc.), whereby the device is capable of executing an application. The system utilizes a plurality of position determination systems (e.g. GPS), which provide position data. The system further comprises an application program interface (API), which receives a request for position data from the application and passes this request to one of a plurality of position adapters. Each position adapter receives position data from a respective position determination system. The system further comprises an interface program providing data handling functions. The interface program determines whether the received position data is in a pre-determined format preferred by the application and if it is not, the respective position adapter creates position data in a pre-determined format.

Abstract: The invention relates to establishing a server initiated high-level protocol communications session between a server 10 and a client on a mobile computing device 70. The client supports a low-level protocol for both inbound and outbound calls but supports a high-level protocol for outbound calls only. The server initiates a first call to the client using the low-level protocol. Upon detecting this call, the client then initiates a second call to the server in order to establish the communications session.

Abstract: A system for providing position data in a pre-determined format to a device (e.g. a smartphone, laptop etc.), whereby the device is capable of executing an application. The system utilises a plurality of position determination systems (e.g. GPS), which provide position data. The system further comprises an application program interface (API), which receives a request for position data from the application and passes this request to one of a plurality of position adapters. Each position adapter receives position data from a respective position determination system. The system further comprises an interface program providing data handling functions. The interface program determines whether the received position data is in a pre-determined format preferred by the application and if it is not, the respective position adapter creates position data in a pre-determined format.