Advance praise for Windows Mobile Data Synchronization with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server Compact 3.1

3/26/2008

“Rob has done a fantastic job in transferring the wealth of knowledge he has in the areas of Enterprise Mobility (especially Data Synchronization) into this book. Not only will someone wanting to get up to speed on the best practices around Mobile Data scenarios, benefit from this book, the book provides in-depth explanations around Data Sync scenarios that even the more seasoned developers and architects would benefit from. I found that the step by step instructions in the book, accompanied by his commentary and practices observations on these, provide unbiased and in-depth information around Mobile Synchronization with SQL Server and SQL Server Compact Editions.”

Amit Chopra :: Sr. Program Manager, Visual Studio for Devices, Microsoft

“This is a comprehensive and thorough guide to the intricacies of the installation, configuration and setup of the data synchronization technology for Mobile devices: Merge Replication. The book walks you through the steps on how to properly configure every part of the replication process and achieve the enterprise level of scalability.”

Alex Yakhnin :: Sr. Mobility Consultant, Mobility SST, Microsoft

“As a developer working on the Windows Mobile platform, I believe this book delivers state-of-the-art techniques and best practices for mobile data applications that many of our Windows Mobile OEMs and ISVs are looking for. I highly recommend it to the mobile developer community.”

Pei Zheng :: Software Development Engineer, OEM - Mobility, Microsoft

“Rob’s new book takes the complexities of modern database replication architecture, chews it up in tiny pieces, and regurgitates a silky gruel directly into your hungry IT mouth!”

Larry Lieberman :: Sr. Program Management Lead, Windows Mobile, Microsoft

“Rob’s new book, Windows Mobile Data Synchronization with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server Compact 3.1, gives you a complete blueprint to build a high available, high volume, Merge Replication architecture. He gives an overview and then gives clear and concise instructions on how to build the infrastructure.”

Rabi Satter :: Sr. Mobility Consultant, Mobile SST, Microsoft

Rabi blogs at https://www.satter.org

“Rob Tiffany has taken center stage at recent MEDC and TechEd conferences with his large rack of servers which he has used to build an application that pushes Merge Replication to its limits. As a result, there’s surely no-one who knows as much about optimizing Merge Rep performance as he. In this clear and readable book, he passes on his experiences to us all, giving clear step-by-step instructions on how to configure the Merge Rep components, and tips based on his experiences. Anyone who is designing and configuring Merge Replication should read this excellent book!”

Andy Wigley :: Device Application Development MVP

Co-author of “Microsoft Mobile Development Handbook”

“SQL Server Compact Edition is one of Microsoft’s best kept Mobile secrets. In this book Rob uncovers the infinite power of SQL Server Compact Edition making it accessible and understandable to developers and IT Professionals alike. If you are considering deploying a mobile solution requiring access to data this is a fabulous place to start your journey”

Jason Langridge :: Enterprise Mobility Solution Specialist, Microsoft

Mr. Mobile blogs at https://blogs.msdn.com/jasonlan

“Business applications have become increasingly important to the world of converged devices in the enterprise. To this end, Microsoft has created a toolset for devices that is very powerful and enables anyone familiar with the Microsoft programming environment and stack of products to create rich, compelling line of business and enterprise applications on the Windows Mobile platform. But, this isn't always the most straight-forward process. Thankfully, Rob Tiffany has abstracted a lot of that ambiguity and uncertainty out of the process. For anyone who wants to learn how to set up, create, and deploy rich data-centric business applications on the Windows Mobile platform utilizing the SQL Server platform and the Microsoft stack, this is a MUST READ book.”

Steve Hegenderfer :: Group Product Manager, Windows Mobile, Microsoft

Steve blogs at https://blogs.msdn.com/hegenderfer/

“In Windows Mobile Data Synchronization with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server Compact 3.1, Rob takes the reader on a journey through the complex process of creating a database architecture to support synchronization with mobile devices. Each of the four tiers is described in detail with ample screenshots to illustrate the steps taken. This book is a must-have for anyone facing the task of building and configuring a secure and robust mobile enabled database infrastructure.”

Peter Foot :: Device Application Development MVP

Co-author of “Microsoft Mobile Development Handbook”

“This is truly the ‘missing manual’ that those of us who have been solving data synchronization requirements between mobile workers and the enterprise have been hoping for! Rob not only walks you through the setup and tuning of large-scale merge replication, he shares the ‘until-now’ elusive best practices for optimizing performance and keeping your production environment healthy over time. Having implemented numerous Windows Mobile projects involving merge replication over the last 5 years, I only wish I had this earlier.”

Darren Shaffer :: Device Application Development MVP

Chief Architect at Handheld Logic, LLC

“Well, Rob has done it again. Rob has taken a topic that is often mentioned as a save all, easy solution to data synchronization from your mobile database to SQL Server. But what is seldom fully explained, until now, is that it isn’t as simple and easy as often implied. There are several steps for setup and implementation that can go wrong in so many ways. Rob walks you through each of step, showing you the correct things to implement and where to be careful not to stub your toe. I still keep his previous book on the shelf next to my desk, now I’ll make space for this one too.”

Dan Fergus :: Device Application Development MVP

Co-author of “The Definitive Guide to the .NET Compact Framework”

“This is the first book to provide a comprehensive guide and reference to replicating SQL Server databases to mobile devices. We are using replication to mobile devices more and more with our clients, and questions are constantly cropping up about configuration and deployment. Now we have a reference that will tell us all we need to know - great book.”

Pete Vickers :: Device Application Development MVP

In his latest book, Rob successfully applies his experience consulting with large enterprise customers and his product insights as a member of Microsoft Mobile Communications Business to provide readers with an insider’s look into mobile synchronization. As a seasoned mobile application architect and a recognized expert on SQL replication, Rob provides valuable insights and perspectives into developing mobile data synchronization systems for enterprises of all sizes. The deep dive, step-by-step guides, coupled with Rob’s commentary and insights, makes this book essential reading for anyone looking to successfully architect and deploy mobile synchronization.

Todd Versaw :: Solutions Engagement Manager, Mobile SST, Microsoft

"If you need to set up merge replication with a Windows CE or Windows Mobile device and you want to find *all* of the steps explained clearly, then this book is the only resource you need. Rob has done a great job of putting together all of the information in a format that is well thought out and easy to follow."

Chris Tacke :: Principle Partner, OpenNETCF Consulting, Device Development MVP

Chris blogs at https://blog.opennetcf.org/ctacke/

“This is a definitive guide for anyone who’s serious about building large scale data-driven applications. Rob has laid everything down in an excellent and easy to follow step by step manner. If you’re planning to build a scalable and reliable architecture to support thousands of mobile users, then this book is a must have!”

Loke Uei Tan :: Product Manager, Windows Mobile, Microsoft

Loke Uei blogs at https://blogs.msdn.com/lokeuei/

Merge Replication is the foundation for synchronizing data captured at a SQL CE database on a Windows Mobile device, to the database at the back end. This is a great book on setting up Merge Replication for Line of Business Applications. The book is easy to read and Rob guides you through step-by-step. Excellent pointers are provided for performance and scaling to large number of devices. A must read for anyone trying to implement Merge Replication from SQL CE to a SQL Server backend across the internet. It is like having your own consultant in a box.

Khalid Siddiqui :: Mobile Architect, Microsoft

"Clear and concise. Rob has written an excellent hands-on walks through of using Merge Replication on Windows Mobile using SQL Server Compact and SQL Server 2005 filled with practical performance and scalability advice."

Dave Kline :: Software Dev Engineer, .NET Compact Framework, Microsoft

Dave blogs at https://blogs.msdn.com/davidklinems/

"Rob Tiffany takes his extensive expertise on mobile data storage & synchronization and makes it tangible for all of us. Through smart use of analogy, easy-to-follow topology diagrams, and step-by-step walk-throughs; this book is the perfect companion for anyone looking to replicate data between server and device."

Derek Snyder :: Product Manager, Windows Mobile, Microsoft

Derek blogs at https:// https://mogadget.com/

Windows Mobile Data Synchronization with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server Compact 3.1

Copyright © 2007 by Hood Canal Press. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the author or publisher.

ISBN-13: 978-0-9798912-0-5

ISBN-10: 0-9798912-0-5

Library of Congress Control Number: 2007940751

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Tiffany, Rob

Windows Mobile Data Synchronization with SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server Compact 3.1 / Rob Tiffany

Created, encoded, printed and bound in the United States of America

Hood Canal Press books are available through booksellers and distributors worldwide. For further information contact Hood Canal Press at https://www.hoodcanalpress.com.

Windows Mobile, SQL Server 2005, the .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server Compact 3.1 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

The authors and publisher have taken care in the preparation of this book but make no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the use of the information or programs contained herein. The example companies, organizations, products, domain names, e-mail addresses, logos, people, places, and events depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization, product, domain name, e-mail address, logo, person, place, or event is intended or should be inferred.