Abstract: Authentication of an electronic communication apparatus capable of communicating data messages with a server according to a synchronization protocol includes providing an authentication method indicator that specifies an authentication method according to which the authentication is to be executed. The authentication method indicator is incorporated into a message that includes a plurality of authentication capabilities of the communication apparatus. The message is transmitted to the server according to an authentication protocol of the synchronization protocol.

Abstract: A checksum is calculated on a database stored in a SIM card when changes are made to a database stored therein. This checksum can be stored in a mobile phone, e.g., with the change log. When synchronization between devices is to be performed, another checksum can be calculated on the database stored in the SIM card. If the stored checksum does not match the calculated checksum, then a change has occurred in the contents of the database that is not reflected in the change log. Accordingly, a full synchronization process can be performed wherein the database records in each device can be compared. If, on the other hand, the checksums match, then the change log accurately reflects any changes made to the database stored in the SIM card and the synchronization process can proceed more expediently using the change log.

Abstract: Authentication of an electronic communication apparatus capable of communicating data messages with a server according to a synchonization protocol includes providing an authentication method indicator that specifies an authentication method according to which the authentication is to be executed. The authentication method indicator is incorporated into a message that includes a plurality of authentication capabilities of the communication apparatus. The message is transmitted to the server according to an authentication protocol of the synchronization protocol.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for synchronizing corresponding databases in electronic devices are described. Techniques according to the present invention perform synchronization without the need for change logs, thereby freeing valuable memory space. A checksum is calculated on the contents of the stored database and replaces the database identifier (DID). The receiving device checks the DID to determine if an update is necessary and, if so, performs a record-by-record comparison of the corresponding databases.