Synchronizing Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook

Well, we’ve heard it a thousand, maybe a million times: It’s only a matter of time before Google Calendar (gCal) rules the online calendar sphere. For certain, it’s a solid application, and comes integrated with Gmail too. But great as it is, one issue still prevents that from happening: gCal + Microsoft Outlook synchronization. Yes, a perfect two-way sync.

It’s honestly surprising that Google engineers haven’t bothered to whip up a MS Outlook plug-in for this purpose, but rather than continue dreaming, let’s look at the various methods that have been introduced by independent developers instead:

• RemoteCalendars (RC)
  An open source plug-in for Outlook 2003, RC provides you the necessary functionality to subscribe and sync with remote calendars, such as gCal. However, getting it to work right isn’t a walk in the park. You will want to refer to a step-by-step setup guide, which should then be followed with publishing instructions over at the official documentation. Even then, you mileage may vary.

• ScheduleWorld + SyncML/Funambol Outlook Plugin
  This approach involves using ScheduleWorld (SW) – a free web service (at the time of writing) – as the middleman between gCal and Outlook. For step-by-step instructions, refer to a detailed guide on this approach. Note, however, that you no longer need to copy your calendar’s Private iCal Address to SW as SW automatically pulls your calendars via your gCal User ID and password. Also note that SW does not automatically/periodically sync with gCal (though a script to do that seems to be available).

• CompanionLink for Google Calendar (CLGC)
  A pay-for software (US$29.95 at the time of writing), CLGC is an independent software which allows you to synchronize gCal with most, if not all, of the latest mobile devices and Personal Information Managers (PIMs) available. However, not only is it not free, it seems to be bug-ridden as well. Moreover, you can only sync your default gCal at the moment, so syncing multiple calendars via CLGC is currently out of the question. So, like RemoteCalendars, your mileage may certainly vary. Therefore, it is suggested that you try their evaluation version first before purchasing a copy.

Clearly, a perfect two-way syncing solution for gCal and Outlook has yet to be developed. So, any developer that does come up with one will certainly be blessed with gratefulness (both verbal and monetary).