Google Inc. (GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Out of Sync

Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) has been working tenuously with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in several areas, especially when it comes to smartphones and modes of communications with the Android operating system and certain Microsoft software like Outlook, and the Windows OS working with things like Gmail. Apparently now, though, Google must think it has a decided market advantage over Microsoft, so it decided to make a change that does not support Microsoft, and it might leave some Windows users in the lurch.

Google Inc (GOOG)

A report from The Verge says that Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is pulling the plug on its Exchange ActiveSync support protocol for its Gmail users on non-Android mobile devices effective January 30, which apparently leaves Windows Phone users in a tough spot – not because it’s necessarily a surprise, but because of the timing of the decision. While there were discussions for months about this move, when it happened apparently left Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) scrambling.

You see, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) made the announcement in December, at the time that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) engineers generally take their vacations. Therefore, the company has been limited on its ability to keep up with the change and to be able to have its alternative up and running. Microsoft is asking Google for an extension, but Google hasn’t responded.

Google’s elimination of Exchange AdSync support means that Gmail users on any non-Android smartphone will have a more difficult time syncing their contacts, e-mail and calendar on their non-Android device. However, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has agreed to support CalDAV and CardDAV on its Windows Phone devices, which are the preferred protocols of Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) for syncing contacts and calendars.

What are your thoughts about this? Does this matter for Gmail users on non-Android phones? Is Google alienating itself? Give us your feedback in the comments section below.

DISCLOSURE: I hold no positions in any stock mentioned.

Please see these related GOOG articles:

Google an 18-Bagger? Here’s How …

Investors are Waiting for Google’s Quarterly Results

A Late Friday Note from Google Raises Red Flags