Thread by @swardley

Setting up 365, need to integrate google calendar and ... read only. Are you effing kidding me, this is 2021. Ok, well at least I can have an integrated mailbox ... oh wait, no? I need to create search function or script. Jesus ... this is just a turd.

Oh, I can use Google Workspace Sync for Microsoft Outlook (GWSMO) if I'm a G-Sync user ... I wonder when they forget the bit about focusing on user needs and replaced it with focusing on business needs. Gosh, I wish Amazon did email and calendars. That would actually work.

Sorry G-Suite not G-Sync ... any suggestions on good packages out there which integrate Google / Mac / Outlook together in a sensible way with 2 way sync across multiple devices or is that something which doesn't exist in practical terms?

I know people talk AI but as far as I'm currently concerned neither Google or Microsoft can get calendar and integrated mail working between them ... so, yeah ... maybe we should leave AI to Amazon / Alibaba and others who actually have a clue (see also cloud, serverless etc).

It's like going to your local garage and listening to the mechanics tell you about how they can optimise ECUs to turn your car into a real racer and pointing to the fact it has been four months and they still can't fix a slow puncture on a tire. As if I'm going to trust you.

It's 2021, this stuff should work out of the box. Two sync on calendars from different providers to different devices, integrated mail boxes ... I shouldn't even have to think about it. Thank god Google and MSFT aren't looking to go into space ... or heaven help us if they are.

Sorry Captain, we can't dock with the lifeboats because the two airlocks are refusing to co-operate. Apparently if we download this third party app we might be able to convince the doors to open or we might all get blown out into the vacuum of space.

Oh wait ... Amazon WorkMail is a secure, managed business email and calendar service with support for existing desktop and mobile email client applications - aws.amazon.com/workmail/ .... hmmm. I need to look into this.

Not quite what I need but I do love the approach of integrating rather than competing. The focus on user needs is clearly present.

So, now to go look at those third party apps. Any recommendations or is it a case of constant update and broken paths?

Well, it's obvious that Gov's need to step in because MSFT / Google have clearly been taking the piss for too long. This should work out of the box, it is ridiculous that it doesn't. None of those companies have a leg to stand on.

So
* Mail App on Windows 10 to provide integrated mail.
* Combining calendars on Outlook on Windows 10 and transfer to iCloud
* Outlook on Android phone connected to calendar on icloud and mail from all accounts.

... works well enough for the needs I have but hell, it's messy.