Google is teaming up with Salesforce.com to integrate customer relationship management (CRM) software into the search giant's online Apps suite.

In a move designed to compete with Microsoft's Dynamics CRM software, Salesforce will make Google's word processing and office tools directly available from within its online applications.

This integration will make it easy for Salesforce users to share information between programs. For example, email correspondence with a customer could be automatically fed directly into the CRM database, allowing the firm to keep track of deals as they develop.

While the Google Apps suite will be free to access as usual, Salesforce plans to provide phone and web-based support for the tools for a monthly fee of $10 (£5) per user.