I didn’t think syncing my outlook contacts to GMail would be so hard. Apparently google does have a solution in you have business email. However everyday Gmail users have little options for syncing their GMail contacts to outlook.

I really needed a way to sync my outlook contacts (and calendar) synchronized to both Gmail AND my blackberry (with out having to plug my blackberry into my computer).

Here are some ways to sync your outlook with your Google Account:

1) Google Business members can use Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook ($50 per user a year).

2) Blackberry users can sync your BB contacts with outlook contacts (using BB Desktop Manager). THEN use the free Google Sync mobile software, sync your BB contacts with your gmail account. (Requires you to plug your blackberry into your computer.)

3) Companion Link: A variety of sync products including Outlook to Google. $free 14 day trial to make sure it works for you then $39.99 to buy. Reports of doubling contacts and extensive time to sync large volume of contacts.

4) Soocial: Soocial is very upfront stating they are a BETA project when it comes to syncing with Outlook.
They clearly list possible conflicts and suggest backing up your contacts before syncing. A few fields will be overwritten. “Are you aware the Outlook client has issues? ONLY DOWNLOAD IF YOU THINK YOU ARE UNAFFECTED OR YOU CAN LIVE WITH THE ISSUES.”

Soocial is only for contacts. I am going to test Google Calendar Sync to see if these TWO options together will work for keeping Google updated with both my outlook calendar and outlook contacts. A possible solution to my outlook/google/ blackberry contact syning issues….