I was reading an editorial by Jonathan Blum on why he thought Google Apps was just a "clutter-magnet of epic proportions." It was obvious as I read it that he was confusing Google Apps with Google Accounts. They're two different things, but the terms can be pretty confusing, especially since Google often refers to Web applications as "apps."

Now, I do agree that it is very annoying that you can't merge two existing Google Accounts. It is a real problem when people send invites to your alternate email address, which is why you should use the "Invitations may be used by anyone" option whenever possible. Otherwise Google forces you to use the exact email where the invitation was sent. This often forces you to make another Google Account, and it's very annoying.

Google Apps, however, is "powered" by Google, but it uses your business or organization's domain name. So do all the email accounts associated with it. Confusion over Google Account email addresses shouldn't be a factor in deciding if Google Apps is right for your business.

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