Google Apps synch to Microsoft Outlook email

June 10, 2009

The logo of web search engine Google is seen behing a computer keyboard. Google on Tuesday synched applications available online as services with Outlook email programs, continuing a push into workplaces historically dominated by Microsoft software.

Google on Tuesday synched applications available online as services with Outlook email programs, continuing a push into workplaces historically dominated by Microsoft software.

Google Apps Sync for Microft Outlook lets Web-based programs by the California Internet colossus work with its rival's email, contacts, and calendars.

"Over the last year, we've had a razor-sharp focus on making it as easy as possible for businesses to deploy Google Apps," Google engineer Eric Orth wrote in a posting at the firm's website.

"Today we're excited to remove another key barrier to enterprise adoption of Google Apps with Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook."

The move comes in the wake of Google enabling people to use its Gmail web-based email service offline and making software interoperable with Blackberry smart phones popular with business users.

Google Apps Sync for Outlook is included in Premier online application packages available for 50 dollars per year per business user. It is free in online services that Google provides for education or nonprofit groups.

"Many business users prefer Gmail's interface and features to products they've used in the past," Orth wrote, indicating the company is not giving up on convincing businesses to switch to its web-based email service.

"But, sometimes there are people who just love Outlook. For them, we've developed Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook."

(c) 2009 AFP