Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) new voice-over-IP calling via Gmail service may be cool and convenient in some circumstances, but it's no game changer, says Forrester Research analyst Charles Golvin. 

Far from being revolutionary, the integration of Gmail and voice functionality is a natural step in the move toward integrated communications, Golvin says in an article by CIO magazine's Kristin Burnham. People having a prolonged email exchange may find it easy to incorporate voice, but the new functionality isn't likely to lure talkers away from their cell phones. 

As for business uses, the new service is not likely to be incorporated into Google Apps for enterprises any time soon, Golvin predicts. Changing PBXs and other calling systems to mask changed phones numbers is a big project, requiring a great deal of integration.  "I don't think it's an unreasonable assumption that it'll come to Google Apps later down the road, but it's a much bigger challenge right now," Golvin says.

For more:
- see Kristin Burnham's article at CIO

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