Google is boosting the security and storage capacity of its online Apps suite as part of continued efforts to attract business users.

The company is increaing the storage limit of the Apps' email service to 25 gigabytes and has added anti-spam tools acquired from the recently-completed purchase of security firm Postini.

Online office tools are set to become a major battleground in the competition between Google and its rivals.

Earlier this week Microsoft revealed its Live Workspace service, a web-based word processor and data storage facility that works in conjunction with the company's Office package.