There are known performance issues being reported relating to a bug in the recent Apple iOS 6.1 update interacting with Microsoft O365 and Exchange. The bug causes performance problems on exchange servers and can affect multiple users. Users can experience access issues and excessive battery drain on devices.
Information Services has a ticket open with Microsoft. We are unsure if these issues are being experienced at UNL or even in the Office365 cloud environment, however, we want to make our IT professionals aware of these reports.
Recommendation:
Until more is known, we are recommending the iPhone/iPad users DO NOT apply the iOS 6.1.0 update.
If you have already applied the update, DO NOT respond to meeting invitations or updates using your iPhone or iPad. Use your computer (Outlook, Mail/iCal, or Outlook Web App) to manage calendar events.
Consult with your local tech support or Computer Help Center.
We will communicate further recommendations when we receive more information.
Additional posts on these issues:
From Seaton Hall Universityhttp://blogs.shu.edu/doit/2013/02/problems-accessing-ms-exchange-email-using-ios-6-1/
From Cornell University
http://www.it.cornell.edu/services/alert.cfm?id=2482
UPDATES
2/19/2013 12:46 p.m.
iOS 6.1.2 Software Update
Fixes an Exchange calendar bug that could result in increased network activity and reduced battery life
2/14/2013 10:08 a.m.
From Apple-a work-around until an update is issued:
iOS 6.1: Excess Exchange activity after accepting an exception to recurring calendar event
Apple has identified a fix and will make it available in an upcoming software update. In the meantime, you can avoid this bug by not responding to an exception to a recurring event on your iOS device. If you do experience the symptoms described above, disable then reenable the Exchange calendar on your iOS device using the steps below.
- Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars
- Select the Exchange account from your Accounts list.
- Turn the switch for Calendars to OFF.
- Wait ten seconds.
- Turn the switch for Calendars back to ON.
Network World article
Apple working on fix for iOS 6.1 bug that's choking Exchange servers
2/13/2013 10:20 a.m.
Information Services continues to recommend that the original iOS update 6.1.0 NOT be installed. Users should wait for additional updates from Apple (like the one below for iPhone 4S). While UNL has not seen a significant impact to Office 365 in the cloud, users may still experience connection and battery drain issues.
02/11/2013 3:04 p.m.
Apple releases iOS 6.1.1 for iPhone 4S
This update fixes an issue that could impact cellular performance and reliability for iPhone 4S
