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Novell ActiveSync Connector is now accepting applications for authorized beta sites

This message contains news about the beta release of Novell ActiveSync Connector. Please read on if you would be interested in participating with Novell in the beta testing of this product.

What is Novell ActiveSync Connector?

Novell Datasync is a key component of Novell’s overall collaboration vision. It is a bi-directional many-to-many synchronization engine that connects disparate collaboration software, business critical applications, and mobile devices. It enables you to tie together your diverse silos of information, allowing your different collaboration and business critical applications to share and act on relevant information in a way that enables your users to be more productive and more efficiently utilize the information at their disposal. The ActiveSync connector component will allow you to connect with any ActiveSync enabled devices, including the iPhone, iTouch, WIndows Mobile and Symbian devices.

How Does The Beta Program Work?

As part of our drive to incorporate the vital feedback from our customers, we at Novell would like to establish a close working relationship with a select, small group of customers at this stage of our product development. In this arrangement, you would be first to receive new versions of the software and you would receive free technical support for the duration of the test cycle. Authorized beta sites will also have an opportunity to influence the development of the product and gain valuable insight and experience with the product prior to the public release. For this Beta we are encouraging you to give us feedback about missing features, quality issues in terms of performance and scalability.

In return, we ask your site to test the product and report your feedback on the product's performance. By doing so you would be helping us service you better.

Below are the requirements to be part of this beta, please read through them and if you feel you are interested follow the information below and sign-up for the beta selection.

Requirements

• Test the product for a minimum of 5 to 10 hours a week.
• Install the product within 72 hours of receiving it.
• Complete provided test cases within one (1) week after each beta release is installed.
• Report on defects found during beta testing within one (1) business day.
• Regress defects found with product refresh code.
• Participate in conference calls, as scheduled.
• Answer survey questions, as needed.
• Periodically report feedback to development on reliability, stability, and readiness of product for the marketplace.
• Provide feedback regarding product documentation and help systems.
• Host on-site visits from Novell as needed.
• Participate in the Novell Beta Test Program under a formal Non-Disclosure Agreement.
• Provide the required hardware and supported platforms/databases to adequately test the product.

Benefits

• Early access to product code.
• Involvement in development cycle, which includes the ability to influence the final code and submit enhancement requests prior to release.
• Free technical support throughout the duration of the beta test period.
• More stable code due to multiple individuals testing in many environments.
• One-on-one contact with the Development team, Product Management, Marketing, etc., through weekly conference calls.
• Relationship-building opportunities with other beta sites around the world.
• Product training sessions during conference calls.
• Improved documentation.

How to Apply for Authorized Test Participation?

The beta test program is currently scheduled to begin the end of October and run through January, 2010. If you are interested in helping us serve you better by testing the beta product and if you meet the requirements listed above, please fill out the survey located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=TDaxZBAfcaSvZdfg5XL8Nw_3d_3d

As we see it, in return for your time and commitment, the early look, technical support, and the resulting knowledge you gain will undoubtedly benefit your site as you roll this product out into your production environment.

Please consider your availability to participate as a Novell ActiveSync Connector authorized beta test site.

If you need further information or have any questions, you may contact the beta manager:

Beverly Brown
Novell Project Manager/Beta
babrown@novell.com