Microsoft posts workaround for iOS 6.1 Exchange problems
updated 05:02 pm EST, Tue February 12, 2013
Firmware overloads servers
Microsoft has posted a support document explaining how to work around trouble with Exchange support in iOS 6.1. "When a user syncs a mailbox by using an iOS 6.1-based device, Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Client Access server (CAS) and Mailbox (MBX) server resources are consumed, log growth becomes excessive, memory and CPU use may increase significantly, and server performance is affected," the company begins. "Additionally, Office 365 Exchange Online users receive an error message that resembles the following on an iOS 6.1-based device: 'Cannot Get Mail The connection to the server failed.'"
As a temporary solution, Microsoft suggests not handling Calendar items (such as meeting requests) on iOS 6.1 devices. If an Exchange-related error message pops up, the company urges people to reboot an iOS device immediately. Should that fail, it's recommended that people remove and recreate a device's partnership, create a custom Exchange throttling policy for v6.1 users, and/or block v6.1's access to Exchange entirely.
Microsoft concludes that it's working with Apple to fix the bug. If an Exchange server operator runs into the glitch, the company proposes opening an enterprise support ticket with Apple.
