Better referred to as 'Google Apps', this application package will allow businesses to create separate accounts per employee within a defined area.

Google's email programme will act as the central point for this set of applications - the main portal where the talk and calendar functions are provided.

Each user will get two gigabytes of email storage complete with email management tools that allow automatic email filtering, POP email access, spam and contact management.

Google calendar provides users with the ability to share appointments or entire calendars. It also has a basic event management option that allows companies to manage RSVP lists and invite associates to meetings.

An instant messaging and voice chat application, Google talk automatically allows access to the contact list within Gmail making connections to business associates and employees simpler.

The new software allows a Gmail account administrator using a central online dashboard to set up domain aliases; set up email catch-all addresses; create internal email lists; make minor (color) customisations to the company sign-in page; customise the Google Apps system with company logo; enable or disable contact sharing; create and update multiple user accounts at once by uploading a spreadsheet with username and password information; centrally configure individual user privileges; alternate email addresses and passwords and view access or email quota statistics for each user.

The service will, however, require that users shifts all email protocol from their domains to Google.The package will be free initially, but later this year, Google hopes to start selling a version that will have additional features and guaranteed technical support, reports quoting Dave Girouard, general manager, said.