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Funambol: Open-source MobileMe that actually works, and on more than the iPhone

Funambol offers service providers a way to offer MobileMe service that actually works, without the compromises.

Matt Asay Contributing Writer
Matt Asay is a veteran technology columnist who has written for CNET, ReadWrite, and other tech media. Asay has also held a variety of executive roles with leading mobile and big data software companies.
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Matt Asay

Apple's MobileMe problems are now well-documented, most recently by Walt Mossberg in the Wall Street Journal. So much promise...so little delivery. A great idea that could be a great product, if it just worked. (I am a longtime Apple .Mac customer and am certainly not happy to see the service prove so incorrigible.)

So, what's the alternative? As you might imagine, open source provides a compelling answer.

Funambol has been offering its open-source "MobileMe" service for a wide variety of devices, not just the iPhone. In fact, Funambol now supports over 1.5 billion devices worldwide. It's called myFunambol and it's a great example of what open source can do. It's true push, works over-the-air (OTA), and doesn't require an "@me.com" email address.

In other words, Funambol brings MobileMe-esque sync that actually works, and works on a huge array of devices and services. It's a way for Yahoo! or any other service provider to create a valuable, connected experience with its customers.

Funambol is a also great way for service providers to build out their own MobileMe experience, without hitching a wagon to Apple. I love Apple, but I also love choice. You can get a glimpse of what Funambol is like by giving myFunambol a spin. If you're a service provider, download the source code and start building your own service.