Google has released Version 1.7 of Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook.

This version has Single Sign On capability enabled, users can log in with their Google Apps account and password, or instead use their company’s Single Sign On authentication if they have enabled that option. This would mean users can save themselves the hassle of logging in multiple times.

The next feature in 1.7 is “Delegation for Email and Calendar”. When you grant access to your account in Gmail, and share your primary Google Apps calendar, those messages and events are synced to the Outlook client. This would be useful if you need to assign a colleague or assistant to send email messages for you on behalf of your name. There would only be one level of access, which will allow your delegate full access to your email, but he or she will be unable to change or access your password. Your delegate would also be able to send and receive calendar invitations for only your primary calendar.

This delegation feature would be advantageous for users who are always caught up in meetings, but are perpetually required to reply to emails.

Have a go at this new version, and let us know what you think!