Google Apps Directory Sync for Email Security

Is this feature the same thing as the Directory Sync utility I have been using?

No, this is another option for companies that want to synchronize their LDAP directory
server settings with those used by the message security service. Unlike the directory sync hosted edition, this version uses a push mechanism to send data from the
customer environment to the Google servers.

How much does this utility cost?

This utility is offered at no charge for Google message security and compliance customers.

Will this utility alter my LDAP directory server settings at all?

No, this utility uses a "read-only" mechanism to extract information from your server. The utility can only write changes to the production servers for the message security service.