Google Base and Google Automat - Threat or Opportunity?

Should Google Base and Google Automat be perceived by webmasters as a threat or as an opportunity?

Riva Richmond, of Dow Jones Newswires, says that Google's test of advertising in print media may mean that Google "could also become an ally," of the print industry.

Google Automat patent images are available online. Images show how Google plans to sell classified advertising in less than a minute.

SearchMarketingAmbassador.com is reporting that Classifieds Intelligence issued the following statement:

It's crystal clear Google is planning for an all-out move into classified advertising. These patent filings and the disclosure of Google Base a few weeks ago show the company is actively preparing to offer free listings for cars, homes, jobs and 'stuff,' even for merchants, among its services

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