Google to take another giant step, tests new service

Google to take another giant step, tests new service

The search engine Google has taken another step towards the diversification of its business. It recently tested its new service Google Base that allows users to upload content free of cost that will be searchable online. With such a service hitting the market, Google will give stiff competition to Internet Auction Giants.

Google Base page 'base.google.com' was accessible for a brief period when a British programmer Tony Ruscoe captured its screenshots. The screenshots, which are available on several blog sites, described the service as "Google's database into which you can add all types of content. We'll host your content and make it searchable online for free."

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The page also listed examples of the variety of databases that could be submitted by the users. These searchable content could vary from 'a database of used cars for sale' to 'a database of protein structures'. The search engine has confirmed the early stage testing of the service but has refused to give details.

This service of Google is in line with its existing services like Web crawl and the recently introduced Sitemaps program. Google Base will enable sellers to place classified advertisements free of cost. Google Base will pose a threat to job sites and rental sites that allow paid classified advertisements.

Auction Giants eBay and classified listing site Craiglist Inc. will face direct competition. The news that spread like fire led to a fall in eBay's shares already. In the recent past, Google and eBay have locked horns as each of them is trying to enter into each other's markets.

Google will generate huge revenues by the advertisements that it will place on the new site. Benefiting from Google's user base that runs into millions, Google's new service will be a force to reckon with.