OggSync 8.05

Overview

OggSync is a Microsoft Outlook add on to provide better support for group sharing, web access and Google Calendar integration. Rather than upgrading to Microsoft Exchange server, a software package like OggSync will bring advanced corporate-ready features to the standard version of Microsoft Outlook instead. Create new categories for calendars. Sync one way between Outlook or mobile device to Google, or Google back to Outlook or mobile device. Use OggSync Mobile to enter new events that will go into the Google calendar. Manage multiple Google calendars and multiple Outlook calendars from a single interface. Send free or busy appointments only between Google Calendar and OggSync Mobile. Private events can be kept private group a group calendar environment. Import Google Calendar colors directly into Outlook 2003 and custom mappable in 2007 for interface color consistency across calendar systems.

Installation

The installation for OggSync is a .msi file which is recognized by Outlook and when executed can be installed directly by the software without any issues.

Interface

OggSync interfaces with Microsoft Outlook directly. There is a large red OggSync logo button in the toolbar of the application and also when right clicking on the left side bar calendar link, the context menu includes a sub menu for OggSync to access Sync Now, Show Sync Window, and Configuration settings.

The Configuration Settings window includes the Gmail login at the very top, registration information, Google Calendar information, details on what duration of sync is required (past and future), auto-sync and time-zone settings. The sync durations and auto-sync features are only for Pro package users.

There are further refinements to how calendar is setup and work with events. These are also Pro enhancements. A small window in the bottom right has a manual Sync button and a couple of other bits.

Essentially, the main functionality is there with the non-Pro version of this software, but adjusting sync settings, pulling in more historic and future calendar data, and automatically syncing are all reserved for paid users. Manual syncing is available though.

Pros

• Add group calendars, event management and more to Microsoft Outlook
• Integrate Google Calendar with OggSync / OggSync Mobile
• Pull in historical and future event data
• Match color schemes between Google Calendar and different versions of Outlook

Cons

None.

Alternatives

OfficeCalendar for Microsoft Outlook offers perhaps betters individual and group sharing of calendars, yet the integration with Google Calendar is not a main feature as it is with OggSync.

Conclusion

OggSync is a good extension of Microsoft Outlook providing group calendar sharing and smart integration/cooperation with Google Calendar for people who make use of both systems.