Potential Benefits for the NotifyLink Device Client
Faster message delivery is a major benefit users of Direct Push experience. NotifyLink Server uses IP-based notifications to instantly deliver e-mail, contact, calendar and task updates to mobile devices as soon as information arrives in your server.
A more cost efficient use of the carrier plan is a second possible benefit. Direct Push synchronization can be more efficient because data is only exchanged when there are updates. Depending on usage and terms of the carrier plan, Direct Push may be the better option for many users.
For some users, increased battery consumption may be a tradeoff associated with Direct Push use. This depends on a host of factors, however, and individual results will vary based on the user. Listed below are some considerations that will give users an idea of the factors that affect device performance and battery life when using Direct Push synchronization.
Performance Considerations
These factors affect the amount of battery power consumed and in turn may impact the users carrier plan:
Message Rate (quantity and frequency at which messages arrive)
Message Notification (ON or OFF)
Direct Push Timeout Setting
Device Usage Outside NotifyLink (phone, data)
Backlight Setting (percentage and timeout)
Battery Condition/Age
Outside Considerations:
Data Billing Terms of the Carrier Plan (unlimited vs. metered usage)
Operator Network (value of idle timeout interval)
Outgoing Firewall Setting (value of idle timeout interval)
Recommendations for Maximizing Device Performance and Battery Life
Set Direct Push Timeout Setting to no less than 15 minutes (the default). Also, confirm that outgoing firewall and operator network timeout settings are greater than 15 minutes. The longer a connection can remain idle, the less often the device will have to wake up and retransmit, thus reducing battery power and bandwidth consumption.
Minimize device backlight settings consumes less battery power
Set Message Notification to OFF reduces data quantity
Synchronize essential data folders only - reduces data quantity
Users with heavy message delivery rates (over 300 messages in a 10-hour period) will experience greater battery consumption and greater bandwidth consumption with Direct Push than with Scheduled Push. If your carrier plan allows for unlimited data usage, cost will not be an issue, however, battery life can be greatly affected. Heavy users that still want the advantage of Direct Pushs faster message delivery may do well to switch their device to Scheduled Push synchronization when not expecting critical information in order to conserve battery power. Carrying a backup battery may be another option for users with a heavy message rate.