Google Fixes Apps Sync for Outlook

Several weeks ago Google launched a plugin that would allow Google Apps, the company's enterprise offerings, to synchronize with Microsoft Outlook, which is the major player in the enterprise segment. While the move was signaled as an important step for Google in conquering the market, the plugin was plagued by a major bug that disabled the email search functionality in the Windows Desktop Search feature. Today the company has rolled out a new version that fixes the problem and also has some updated features.

“We worked closely with Microsoft to address two issues that we shared recently, and we appreciate their help. The Windows Desktop Search feature now works, so you can choose between the native Outlook search, which has been available since launch, and Windows Desktop Search to find information in Outlook. We've also worked with them to add support for accessing Windows Live Hotmail via the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector plug-in,” Chris Vander Mey, senior product manager, Google Apps, writes.

Google launched the plugin with great hopes but the major flaw is sure to have put a dent in its credibility. The bug, which was announced by Microsoft and is sure to have put some smiles on the faces of a few Redmond executives, modified a registry entry disabling the Windows Desktop Search's indexing and search capabilities through all of Outlook's data, not just that synchronized with Google Apps.

The new version, which fixes the bug, also comes with the possibility to disable the auto-archiving option and improves the synchronization of the notes attached to the contacts. The tool makes it clear now where the data in other Outlook accounts is stored. Finally, Google has also made it possible for those using Windows Live Hotmail to access it with the Microsoft Office Outlook Connector plugin. Those with the plugin installed will get the latest version through the automated update system.