Google gets synced
Growing numbers of people are switching to Google’s online e-mail and calendaring services because of the convenience they offer — you can access them from anywhere you have an Internet connection, they’re easy to set up, and don’t require the support of your corporate IT department.
But syncing calendar and contact items has not been easy because, with the exception of Gmail, Google didn’t offer users the ability to sync their mobile devices with the company’s services.
That’s changed with the recent introduction of Google Mobile Sync, which is now in beta. The software works with the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia S60-based smartphones, other Nokia handsets, Sony Ericsson devices, and phones running Windows Mobile.
The new service makes it easier for corporate employees to wean themselves off their dependence on their companies’ Microsoft systems and helps make Google a more compelling alternative to Microsoft Exchange-powered servers.
Ironically, Google licensed ActiveSync technology from Microsoft to help power its mobile sync solution.
Contact and Calendar items added to the phone are automatically synced with Google’s servers, and vice versa. Best of all, the software uses your phone’s native calendar software, so you’ll be alerted to upcoming meetings.
Be warned, though, that the Google Sync service will delete all your current contacts and calendar information when you run it — so be sure to back up your device first.
Google Mobile Sync is available online at google.com/mobile/default/sync.html
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