Using GCM mode for auto sync
You can set IBM Traveler on Android to use GCM (Google Cloud Messaging) mode for auto sync, which can increase battery life.
By default, IBM Traveler maintains a HTTP or HTTPS connection between a device and server that allows both to stay in sync with each other. Depending on several factors (such as network provider, Network Address Translation (NAT) timeouts, and device characteristics), maintaining this connection can burden the battery of the device. Using GCM mode for auto sync can decrease the burden on the battery and increase the amount of time between battery recharges compared to using HTTP.
- On the device, go into the IBM Traveler settings and select Auto Sync.
- From the real-time option, select Google Cloud Messaging.
After following these steps, IBM Traveler stops maintaining a constant connection to the server. It also starts using GCM to notify the device of server-side changes. These GCM messages are received and handled silently by IBM Traveler on the device.
GCM is enabled on the server by default, but it can be configured as needed using the settings described in Notes.ini settings and Push messaging through a proxy.
GCM message contents
GCM messages only contain applications that need to be synced or security operations that need to be performed. There are no user names or contents (mail, calendar, contacts, journal or ToDos) contained in the message. GCM messages only trigger the device to perform a sync for the given applications or take the appropriate security actions, at which point the device receives the relevant sensitive information, such as user names and data contents.