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Disk option for syncing

Hi

Just bought the OmniFocus iphone app and installed the OmniFocus 1.1 beta.

I don't have a WebDav server or a .mac account, so how can I sync my iphone with the desktop app? I noticed the 'Disk' option, can anyone shed any light on how that works?

Please tell me I'm not going to have to shell out for a mobile me account just to sync my tasks!

Thanks
Leanda

Ja...does this refer to the database location?

Thanks!

At the moment, OmniFocus needs a WebDAV server or iDisk between your computers or phones in order for them to sync up. The disk feature isn't used in OmniFocus for iPhone -- it's just a way to use a local location to sync your database (say to a thumb drive perhaps).

Omni should be clearer that users without access to a WebDAV server will not be able to sync with OmniFocus on the desktop. I suspect that many users see "Synchronized with your Mac via .Mac or WebDAV" and don't realize that means they must have a WebDAV server.

To avoid loosing those customers looking for syncing but without a WebDAV server, Omni should put up a clear tutorial on how to set one up (or, even better, make a free WebDAV setup utility).

Otherwise, there are going to be many disappointed customers...

This would be extremely helpful

count me in... I'm a web dev so I'm sure I'll figure how to setup a wevdav server locally, but a good old synch when pluggin the iPhone in the doc is an assumed functionality when you pay for an application... You should point that out clearly somewhere...

Do you know of any easily understandable resource that could guide me in setting up a local webdav server?

Maybe this article will help?

[URL="http://www.gregwestin.com/webdav_for_ical.php"]Enabling WebDAV on OSX For Use With iCal[/URL]

Do I understand correctly that I MUST purchase me.com or web dav somewhere to use the software I just paid for? Even apple allows for sync directly from mac to iPhone! This is not good. And very dissapointing of not outright misleading.

Apple doesn't offer 3rd party developers the option of using the wired sync conduit that it uses for its own applications. You can use the WebDAV service installed on your own Mac, you've just got to turn it on.

The OmniFocus for iPhone product page says in big letters:

[b]Synchronized with your Mac via .Mac or WebDAV.[/b]

How is that misleading?

[QUOTE=whpalmer4;39927][b]Synchronized with your Mac via .Mac or WebDAV.[/b]

How is that misleading?[/QUOTE]

As should be obvious from reading this forum, many [I]have[/I] found it misleading. As I suggested above, this might be because many may not realize that WebDAV requires a server. Omni ought to clarify so that others are not disappointed to find this out.

[QUOTE=jginsbu;39935]As should be obvious from reading this forum, many [I]have[/I] found it misleading. As I suggested above, this might be because many may not realize that WebDAV requires a server. Omni ought to clarify so that others are not disappointed to find this out.[/QUOTE]
My suspicion upon further reflection and investigation is that some people didn't read it in the first place, as it doesn't appear to show up anywhere on the App store page for OmniFocus. And others probably read right over it without comprehending it, because as we all know, iPhones and iPods do all their syncing when you plug them in the dock, so who would have thought that Apple wouldn't make it possible for 3rd party developers to do that with their applications?

Out of curiosity, what is your suggested language for that clarification? Remember, it has to get through to people who are "hearing what they want to hear" so to speak.

We've updated our description to refer to synchronizing via "a WebDAV-enabled web server" to make this more clear for a wider audience. (A WebDAV-enabled web server is built into every Mac, though unfortunately it's not trivial to configure.)

We're also thinking about how to do synchronization with a local Mac without requiring a web server.

Why not have OmniFocus itself run a WebDAV server?

[QUOTE=lhotka;40195]Why not have OmniFocus itself run a WebDAV server?[/QUOTE]

Good idea. I'm not too keen on having to do all the webdav stuff just for this, but I suspect I will as it seems a trend with 3rd party apps.

Another question: How does Omnifocus deal with offline editing. IE, I'm on a 10 flight and I want to organize a bunch of projects. Is there a copy of the database left on my laptop? Also, ditto with my iphone when I'm on the subway.
And, is there a way to turn of syncing so when I'm out of the country I don't run up a bunch of bandwidth charges?
Thanks all.

[QUOTE=lhotka;40195]Why not have OmniFocus itself run a WebDAV server?[/QUOTE]

It is quite possible to approximate this already, it will require enabling the WebDAV server on the desktop machine that you have OmniFocus 1.1 (for Mac) installed.

Go to [URL="http://manas.tungare.name/blog/2008/07/10/howto-setup-webdav-on-mac-os-x-leopard-for-syncing-omnifocus-to-iphone/"]Manas Tungare's blog page[/URL], follow the instructions there, and in OmniFocus 1.1 set syncing to that location. Do the same on the iPhone.

The upshot of this is that you can come home from wherever you were, boot or wake up your desktop, wait a tic and then sync from the iPhone.

The downside of this is that if the desktop is sleeping or off, when you're away you'll get error notifications that the server isn't available, that sort of thing.

This page has instructions for Leopard that worked for me:

[URL="http://forums.macosxhints.com/showthread.php?t=80054"]http://forums.macosxhints.com/showthread.php?t=80054[/URL]

I did need to do the final chown to the dav directory to enable writing to the files.

Does iDisk work?

Gosh, I have a .mac/mobilewhatever account and I still can't get it to work. It just keeps prompting me for my password over and over. I'm giving up for now (hopefully it's just Apple's problem), but I was curious to know if anyone else is having issues.

Dave

[QUOTE=odavy;40209]Gosh, I have a .mac/mobilewhatever account and I still can't get it to work. It just keeps prompting me for my password over and over. I'm giving up for now (hopefully it's just Apple's problem), but I was curious to know if anyone else is having issues.

Dave[/QUOTE]
Could you clarify a bit which device "it" is? You are running both the desktop and the iPhone versions, right? Do both give you errors, or just one?

[QUOTE=kidtreo;39922]Do I understand correctly that I MUST purchase me.com or web dav somewhere to use the software I just paid for? Even apple allows for sync directly from mac to iPhone! This is not good. And very dissapointing of not outright misleading.[/QUOTE]

I own OF for the Mac and I instinctively bought the version for the iPhone. However, I don't see any choices in my Synchronization Preferences in OM. I just have an option to synchronize between calendars and contexts, that's it! I don't see the "Synch with: Nothing, iDisk, WebDAV, Disk" choices that appear in the "How To" video...

Help!

[QUOTE=elfenkonig;40234]I own OF for the Mac and I instinctively bought the version for the iPhone. However, I don't see any choices in my Synchronization Preferences in OM. I just have an option to synchronize between calendars and contexts, that's it! I don't see the "Synch with: Nothing, iDisk, WebDAV, Disk" choices that appear in the "How To" video...

Help![/QUOTE]

Sounds like you need to get the [URL="http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnifocus/download/sneakypeek/"]OmniFocus 1.1 sneaky peek[/URL], it's the release that has the syncing added to it.

So in the end I signed up for MobileMe yesterday and it works brilliantly.

I was up and running in minutes and my OmniFocus tasks are now in sync across my two Macs and iphone.

Thanks for discussion here.

Leanda

[QUOTE=Joel;40204]Go to [URL="http://manas.tungare.name/blog/2008/07/10/howto-setup-webdav-on-mac-os-x-leopard-for-syncing-omnifocus-to-iphone/"]Manas Tungare's blog page[/URL], follow the instructions there, and in OmniFocus 1.1 set syncing to that location. Do the same on the iPhone.[/QUOTE]

That site is offline (probably all the OmniFocus users trying to access it). Could someone put together a HOWTO and have it as a sticky in the forums?

That site seems to be back up now.

Wow am I dissapointed

Maybe you did say you needed WebDAV or iDisk but it is not apparent. I purchased the iPod touch upgrade and Omni Focus assuming it would work by simply installing it now I am faced with having to set up a WebDAV which would not work in my case as I carry my laptop around with me or am working in bootcamp and need to see my Omni Focus so I am stuck with having to purchase iDisk or Mobile me and feel like I am being nickled and dimed here.

To be honest I feel ripped off.

I am in love with omnifocus and omni group but I am VERY disappointed with this situation.

How do I ask for a refund on the upgrade and the omni foucs app?

Likely I am stuck with the cost for something I cannot use and to say I am disappointed is an understatement.

Thanks omni, thanks..... :(

Behnt - sorry for the confusion here; we didn't intend for anyone to be confused or feel ripped off, obviously. We tried to make the requirements clear, but it's definitely still confusing to folks. If you can suggest any wording changes on our pages or the App Store that would have helped, we're interested in hearing about it.

MobileMe offers a free 60-day trial. By the time that free trial is up, we'll have had some time to work around some of the problems preventing folks from using one of the other free file-storage services that are available.

If you don't want to have to worry about remembering to shut off the MobileMe trial, we're hearing that folks have been using [URL="http://www.bingodisk.com/"]bingodisk.com[/URL] quite successfully; that service is $20/year instead of $100/year.

If none of those options work for you, you should contact Apple - at the very least, let them know that the option to do a wired sync would be helpful to you.

Again, very sorry for the confusion and distress.

Fixed my syncing issue. I needed Sneakypeek. Be nice if that is there somewhere when first installing.

Will there ever be a hardwired connection option?

Greetings,

I've been using OmniFocus for quite awhile now and find it incredibly useful for managing my business. One major driver for buying the iPhone was the ability to run OF on it. However, I'm professional opposed to opening up unnecessary services on my laptop or leaving sensitive information in the cloud.

Are there any plans to allow a sync option via something other than through the cloud? (Running a local WebDAV server on my laptop means exposing that service, something I'd really prefer not to do.)

-David

Oh pretty pretty please!

[QUOTE=Ken Case;39959]We've updated our description to refer to synchronizing via "a WebDAV-enabled web server" to make this more clear for a wider audience. (A WebDAV-enabled web server is built into every Mac, though unfortunately it's not trivial to configure.)

We're also thinking about how to do synchronization with a local Mac without requiring a web server.[/QUOTE]

And Apple wins again...exactly as they planned

This is exactly what I guessed Apple had in mind when locking developers out of hard sync.

I for one refuse to play.

Apple is becoming more Micro$oft like every day...sigh

[QUOTE=leanda;40262]So in the end I signed up for MobileMe yesterday and it works brilliantly.

I was up and running in minutes and my OmniFocus tasks are now in sync across my two Macs and iphone.

Thanks for discussion here.

Leanda[/QUOTE]

Start a petition?

I know there are those asking Apple to open the iphone regarding carriers, but perhaps a petition to open up Hardware Sync so people aren't forced into buying .me etc.

I'm a bit busy learning how to use Terminal and edit text files right now :confused: but perhaps someone else might get us started?

[url]http://www.PetitionOnline.com/[/url]

By any chance can an Automator script be written that will enable and set up web dav for iOF?

Thanks!

I still have had trouble accessing Manas Tungare's blog page, but managed to view it via the Google cache. Here are the instructions from the blog in case others can't access it:

[B]Setting up WebDAV on Leopard[/B]

The good news is that all the bits and pieces of software that you need to run a WebDAV server on Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard are already installed. You only need to configure them correctly and turn them on. Some experience with Terminal is preferred, and you should be familiar with executing UNIX commands. Let’s start!

1. [B]Start Apache[/B]. (If you haven’t already) You will need to enable Web Sharing, since the WebDAV service will be provided by Apache, the web server on Mac OS X. You do not necessarily need to have a web site running, but you will need to activate and run Apache. Go to System Preferences > Sharing, and turn on the box labeled Web Sharing.

2. [B]Enable WebDAV support in Apache[/B]. Edit the file /etc/apache2/httpd.conf, (remember to use sudo to edit it) and locate this line:

LoadModule dav_module libexec/apache2/mod_dav.so

Make sure it is not commented (there should be no "#" at the beginning of the line.) Then locate this line (towards the bottom of the file):

Include /private/etc/apache2/extra/httpd-dav.conf

Again, make sure it is not commented out. It is disabled by default, so you need to remove the "#" from this line.

3. [B]Configure WebDAV[/B]. Next, edit the file /etc/apache2/extra/httpd-dav.conf. Add a section in it to create our new WebDAV share. Here’s what the new section should look like. As a security precaution, you should also go ahead and delete the /usr/uploads share that is set by default.

Alias /webdav "/Library/WebServer/WebDAV"

<Directory "/Library/WebServer/WebDAV">
Dav On

Order Allow,Deny
Allow from all

AuthType Basic
AuthName WebDAV-Realm
AuthUserFile "/usr/webdav.passwd"

<LimitExcept GET OPTIONS>
require user YourUserName
</LimitExcept>
</Directory>

On line 1, the name following the Alias keyword is the URL you’d like for your new WebDAV share. If you want the share to be located at [url]http://your-server-name/your-fancy-webdav-share[/url], then line 1 should read:

Alias /your-fancy-webdav-share "/Library/WebServer/WebDAV"

On line 9, we specify the authentication scheme as Basic, not Digest. The security conscious will note that this sends unencrypted passwords over plain text. In my tests, OmniFocus was not able to communicate with the server with the Digest authentication scheme. Remember not to use a particularly important password for this account.

On line 14, substitute the username you would like to use for your WebDAV account. Note this down, because you will need this again in the next step.

4. [B]Create user accounts and passwords[/B]. Use the htpasswd tool to create your password file.

sudo htpasswd -c /usr/webdav.passwd "YourUserName"
New password:
Re-type new password:
Adding password for user YourUserName

5. [B]Create the necessary directories[/B].

sudo mkdir -p /Library/WebServer/WebDAV
sudo mkdir -p /usr/var

6. [B]Setup permissions correctly[/B].

sudo chown -R www:www /Library/WebServer/WebDAV
sudo chown -R www:www /usr/var
sudo chgrp www /usr/webdav.passwd

7. Restart Apache gracefully.

sudo apachectl graceful

8. [B]Test your server[/B]. Optionally, you can test your WebDAV configuration using litmus, a WebDAV server test tool. It is distributed as source code with no binaries, so you will need to compile it first, for which you will need Apple’s Developer Tools. You can test your server manually by using a graphical client such as Goliath. Try uploading a file and see if you can access it again.

That’s it, you can now point OmniFocus to [url]http://your-server-name/webdav[/url] and provide the credentials you created earlier. With this setup, you will immediately be able to access your WebDAV server over your local network. If your machine has a static public IP address, you will also be able to sync from outside your local network.

If, on the other hand, your machine is behind a router, you will need to configure port forwarding on your router. If you do not have a static IP, you will need to set a dynamic hostname via services like DynDNS.

Omnifocus Sync Settings

OmniFocus WebDAV Authentication
Possible Error Messages

This is by no means a zero error configuration, and sometimes things might go wrong. Here are some of the common error messages and how to fix the relevant errors:

* The locks could not be queried for verification against a possible "If:" header.

No such file or directory: Could not open property database
The web server is not able to access the password file. In our example, you need to ensure that /usr/webdav.passwd can be read by the Apache user, www. To do that, run the following chmod command.

sudo chgrp www /usr/webdav.passwd

* Client used wrong authentication scheme: /webdav/

You probably set the Authentication scheme to Digest instead of Basic. Try changing to Basic. Also note that you need to regenerate the password file using htpasswd instead of htdigest.

I know this won't be a popular answer, but the fact of the matter is, no one is "forced" to purchase MobileMe, or any other system to run iOF. You have the choice of just not syncing.

Now, to put that in perspective, since iOF does ALMOST everything regular OF does, your choice would be to abandon the desktop and just use iOF for your ubiquitous task capture and task management.

Or you could type it in twice, once in the desktop, and once in the iPhone.

My point is, syncing your data is not required to use either product, it's a convenience. And sorry to inform everyone, but in a capitalistic world, those who provide service which make life more convenient are going to charge you for the service and make their money on it.

Arguing that Apple is "forcing" people to purchase MobileMe for syncing would be no different than arguing that Apple is forcing people to purchase an iPhone to use iOF.

There's no gun to your head, and you won't die or stop eating if you don't sync your data. If you want the convenience, you pay for it. If you don't want to pay for it, you don't get the convenience.

Pretty simple stuff if you ask me.

[QUOTE=Joel;40204]It is quite possible to approximate this already, it will require enabling the WebDAV server on the desktop machine that you have OmniFocus 1.1 (for Mac) installed.

The downside of this is that if the desktop is sleeping or off, when you're away you'll get error notifications that the server isn't available, that sort of thing.[/QUOTE]

The real downside is that since HTTPS doesn't work, I'll have an open web server on my mac when on a public network, subject to sniffing, which is totally unacceptable.

I refuse to pay $100/year for a .mac account just to sync OF (the rest is a total waste as I already have a website hosted on a real provider - that blocks WebDAV because of security issues). Other third-party WebDAV providers seem to have a ton of compatibility issues with OF, and/or don't offer secure connections.

Maybe Omnigroup should host a [B]secure[/B] WEBDAV server on your domain that we can subscribe to ($10/year) just for OmniFocus syncing.

HTTPS *does* work

Good morning,

I am running both OF and iOF against an Apache server configured for DAV support on port 443.

My own server.
Secure connection.
Everything syncs.

Took awhile, but here we are and I'm happy.

-David

On your own Mac? How'd you get around the certificate issues?

HTTPS sync working

Good afternoon,

I'm running a WebDAV server on a Linux box running Apache at our office. I used the blog posting found in one of the stickies above to set it up, with a few modifications. We're using a self signed cert and the most recent release of iOF enabled support for these.

The initial sync had some UI problems, but if I ignored those, went into settings, ACK'd the settings as correct and then hit sync, it sync'd.

-David