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Smart Phones

 

With the growing need for instantaneous communication and data access, User Services (USRV) and Communications Account Services (CASV) support staff have seen a significant increase in the purchase and use of smartphone devices on campus. The following information is intended to provide guidance and support expectations to individuals who are considering using these devices to communicate with campus systems.

Smartphones are complex devices that integrate phone functions with PDA (personal digital assistant) and can accept multiple forms of user input – handwriting recognition, keyboard, etc.  These devices are intended to integrate and replace the functionality of carrying several different devices: a PDA, a mobile phone, and perhaps even a laptop. Smartphones are able to synchronize data with our Exchange e-mail system, including e-mail, contacts, tasks, and calendaring information.

Smartphone technology is progressing at an astounding pace.  New models of phones with new features and functionality seem to appear weekly.  While very attractive for our technical bleeding edge customers, supporting every new model would make for a support model that would require more resources than are available. Since these devices are often used to synchronize with customer (and enterprise) critical data, they can pose a security risk, and the act of synchronization can lead to potential data loss when configured improperly or in the event of a failure. Standardization of support will assist in minimizing loss of your important information.

In an effort to provide a practical level of support, CASV and USRV have been working together to evaluate and standardize on a supported model of smartphone for CSU Chico Faculty and Staff use. We have determined that any device with Windows Mobile 6 will be the recommended model smartphone for our campus customers. Customers who purchase devices with Windows Mobile 5 or higher will be provided with basic configuration and troubleshooting support both for cellular and data functions.  We have tested that our e-mail and data management solutions function on devices with Windows 5 and 6 in reliable and reasonably secure fashion when configured correctly.

How do I get my new smartphone, and what support should I expect?

Email ktrnka@csuchico with your inquiries regarding a new Smartphone.  CASV will work with you to discuss options and order your new phone. CASV and User Services will then coordinate the activation of your phone and configure the phone to synchronize with our Exchange e-mail server if desired (this typically requires a data plan, an additional cost to the voice plan for the phone).

User Services will further assist the customer by providing specific instructions for desktop synching configuration.  If a Windows Mobile device is purchased, CASV will work directly with the customer to both configure and revolve any data synching issues that might arise, please email ktrnka@csuchico.edu.

If any additional technical issues arise with e-mail, contacts, or calendar synching, User Services will provide limited assistance with the Windows Mobile device at no charge.  Support charges may apply for any other smartphone.  Any duplication and/or deletion of Exchange calendars, contacts, tasks, or e-mail while trying to restore services is a risk assumed by the customer.

CASV should be contacted at 898-5050 for support required for the “voice” part of the smartphone (cell service, voicemail, etc.).  They will provide specific instructions on how to obtain assistance based upon phone model and service provider. 

User Services and CASV reserve the right to reset any smartphone to factory settings to resolve any issues.  Any non-factory installed software will need to be completed and/or re-installed by the customer. 

Depending upon the vendor in which you decide to purchase your new Smartphone through, please be aware that there is only a very small window of time (30 days from day of order) to return your new equipment to the vendor return center for a refund.

As new versions of smartphones emerge on the market, CASV and User Services will evaluate our ability to support these new technologies.   

NOTE:   As with all mobile IT devices, careful consideration should be given to any data stored on these devices and the associated risk of loss or theft.  Please be protective of sensitive, confidential, and intellectual data.  

Tutorials

Treo 700W/700WX

Windows Mobile Smart Phones