Patent ID: 8478829

Claim:
A method of retrieving data by a wireless device from an electronic mail account server via the Internet, the electronic mail account server being arranged to receive electronic mail data on behalf of said wireless device, the method comprising configuring the electronic mail account server to: receive device characteristics data comprising an idle time for said wireless device at the electronic mail account server over the Internet, said data enabling the electronic mail account server to determine a timeout period for the wireless device; determine the timeout period for the device on the basis of said idle time; responsive to a request for electronic mail data from said wireless device, configuring a timer at the electronic mail account server based on the determined timeout period; and in the event that electronic mail data have not been received at the electronic mail account server at the expiry of the timer, transmit a response message to the wireless device, wherein said response message causes the wireless device to submit a further request to the electronic mail account server for electronic mail data.