Google releases plug-in for Microsoft Outlook

Google fired another shot into the enterprise space earlier this week by its release of the Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook. The plug-in for Microsoft Outlook basically works with the Premier version of Google Apps to sync emails, calendar entries and contacts stored on Google's servers with Microsoft Outlook.

Google spokesperson Andrew Kovacs explained that "a vocal" minority in the enterprise workforce balked at having to give up Microsoft Outlook. As such, Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook was designed to get these users--about 5 percent of all users--to switch over to Google. As such, companies migrating toward Google's cloud-based services can continue using Outlook, reports TechNewsWorld.

There are some limitations inherent to Google's plug-in for Microsoft Outlook, as can be expected. Primarily, the Outlook connector works only on the aforementioned features while leaving others features in Microsoft Outlook such as Task and Notes out in the cold. On the plus side, Google says that the plug-in uses the offline Gmail protocol, which is much faster than IMAP or other methods.

Ultimately, Microsoft isn't unduly worried. Eron Kelly, who is the senior director of the business online services group for Microsoft, told TechNewsWorld this move simply brings Google up to the level of other popular email service providers such as IBM, Oracle, Yahoo and Zimbra, noting that these companies have offered connectivity to Outlook "for years."

For more on this story:
- check out this article at TechNewsWorld

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