Is Microsoft Sync Framework alive?

Question

According to the MS documentation Sync Framework Toolkit (https://code.msdn.microsoft.com/Sync-Framework-Toolkit-4dc10f0e) is a legacy open source product which MS no longer support:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj839436(v=sql.110).aspx

That's fine, but how about Microsoft Sync SDK which is not open source? Does it mean that open source part useless because server part can be removed by MS in the future?

The question is does it mean that Sync Framework SDK (Server side library) is dead? (Green Part)

Answer 1

Microsoft has stopped supporting Sync Framework. We'd a ticket opened with MS for one of the framework issue, and got to know from MS that the team which has originally developed the framework is disbursed and there is no support available.

Answer 2

Does it mean that open source part useless because server part can be removed by MS in the future?

You can always download the SDK and keep a copy, so I don't see a problem on the "Microsoft removing it" question.

The question is does it mean that Sync Framework SDK (Server side library) is dead?

In my opinion, yes. It is only a matter of time before the software won't work with an updated version of windows (last update to the SDK was August 2010). Once that happens or you discover a critical bug, you are stuck.

Answer 3

I am not sure what do you mean by dead. As long as you know Sync Framework Toolkit is not supported and you know the consequences of using it. As to Sync Framework SDK Some Federal agencies did approve the usage of that SDK. This link might be the answer to your question. According to the US department of Veteran Affairs https://www.oit.va.gov/Services/TRM/ToolPage.aspx?tid=11403 Microsoft Sync Framework Software Development Kit (SDK) Technology is approved with constraints in 2019, 2020, 2021

Approved w/Constraints: The technology/standard can be used within the specified constraints located below the decision matrix in the footnote1 and on the General tab.

However, these constraints are not met.

Technology must remain patched and operated in accordance with Federal and Department security policies and guidelines in order to mitigate known and future security vulnerabilities.

You might notice this announcement which does not seem to still be valid, Microsoft Sync Framework 2.1 is now in extended support!

Starting from January 12, 2016, Microsoft Sync Framework 2.1 (including SDK and redistributables) has entered extended support. This change has an impact on how you receive software updates and support for Microsoft Sync Framework. For more detailed information, refer to the Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

I hope that can be an acceptable answer to your query.