Print this article | E-mail this article | Comment on this article

Beta of an Outlook synchronization gadget for Google Apps

By Michael Hatamoto, BetaNews

May 16, 2008, 2:34 PM

A great many Microsoft Outlook users don't have the benefit of an Exchange server, so their e-mail and calendar are bound to one PC. Now, a gadget just entering beta could help by extending the reach of personal data to the Web, through Google Apps.

More than 2,000 beta testers have reportedly signed up to help Cemaphore Systems test its MailShadow for Google Apps service, which offers real-time synchronization between Microsoft Outlook/Exchange, calendars, contacts, and Google's Gmail.

Currently in Beta 1, MailShadow is designed to turn Outlook into a front end client that can host Gmail and other e-mail service providers. The ability to synchronize Outlook with Gmail allows users to transfer not just e-mail but calendars and address books between the two services as well, enabling a quick backup in case of, for instance, .PST file corruption.

In theory, using a free service such as Gmail to backup e-mails and similar data eliminates the need for companies to create their own hardware data infrastructure, which ultimately helps reduce costs. Furthermore, the services available in Google Apps are "cloud-based," which means each document saved through the service is saved to Google's servers.

After MailShadowG for Gmail users is successfully launched, Cemaphore will begin working on solutions for other popular e-mail providers. Although the company didn't list other e-mail providers, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, and AOL Mail are the most likely to receive MailShadowG support.

MailShadow for Google Apps is expected to enter Beta 2 later next month, with more beta testers expected to be invited into the program. Users interested in signing up for the beta service can do so by clicking here.

IBM is working with Google on a new cloud computing infrastructure that will compete with the Microsoft Live Mesh platform, which launched in April. The joint environment runs on the Linux operating system and will feature Xen virtualization for its business and consumer users. Not surprisingly, the Microsoft Live Mesh platform runs on Windows and helps users synchronize data on multiple devices, enabling sharing of documents and information between wireless devices and PCs.

Add a Comment (10 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

By tscar13

posted May 16, 2008 - 8:20 PM

"A great many Microsoft Outlook users don't have the benefit of an Exchange server, so their e-mail and calendar are bound to one PC. "

not true. most providers allow access through net sites. Once again, Betanews shows it's ignorance.

Have a nice day:)

Score: 0

By templar™

posted May 18, 2008 - 10:25 AM

Windows Mobile already enables Outlook contacts, emails and calendars to be very portable for years - without the need to go online.

Nevertheless, I understand the merit of bringing my outlook data online.

Score: 0

By rodtrent

posted May 16, 2008 - 4:38 PM

Not ground-breaking. MS has a plugin for Hotmail and MSN.

Score: 0

By RSMurphy

posted May 16, 2008 - 5:50 PM

Perhaps in functionality but as for any plugins for Hotmail or MSN I'd question the value.

It's probably safe to say that capturing the attention of the Outlook users is far more important only if by sheer numbers or professional access.

I dare say that there are few true businesses using Hotmail or MSN and for a reason.

Or maybe it's just me? I dunno. I couldn't give a rat's a__ if those two services closed shop tonight. I have NEVER used those accounts for anything other than a rare need to send something to a friend or because I am obligated to have it (read PISSPORT) and I get tons of SPAM. What a waste of bandwidth.