Google has launched its purpose-built collaboration plugin for Microsoft Office, hoping to provide an alternative to SharePoint for document sharing.

Based on the Docsverse platform it acquired in March 2010, “Google Cloud Connect for Microsoft Office" promises to bring multi-person collaboration to  Word, Excel and PowerPoint, "applications that you may still need from time to time." according to the google blog.

The plug-in works with Microsoft Office 2003, Office 2007 and Office 2010, providing a new toolbar in these applications.

According to a spokesperson, “Google’s really trying to establish Google Apps as a collaboration platform, no matter what the tools they use.”

The software is available as a free download HERE.