In addition to Gmail, the outage also affected Google Drive, Google Chat, Google Calendar, Google Play and Google Chrome Sync.

FORBES: Gmail Outage Embarrasses Internet Giant -- Cause Was a Software Update

With the launch of CardDAV, it's now possible to build a seamless sync experience using open protocols (IMAP, CalDAV and CardDAV) for Gmail, Google Calendar and Contacts.

ENGADGET: Google to continue offering Exchange ActiveSync support on Windows Phones through July 31st

No Google Exchange Active Sync (EAS) mail service through Outlook: Google is not supporting Windows 8 and EAS, which means that you cannot merge and sync contacts and calendar in one program like we are all used to doing in Outlook.

FORBES: Why You Want The Microsoft Surface Pro (And Why You Don't)