Google to challenge eBay with classified ads // canavarlar

San Francisco - Internet search leader Google has officially unveiled a new
service that could shake up the world of online and newspaper advertising,
as well as challenging online auction powerhouse eBay.

Google Base now allows users to post any kind of information they want
for free and to provide labels to describe it so others can easily find it.

The first glimpses of the service came last month, but the roll out late on
Tuesday of Google Base in "beta" or trial now allows anyone with Internet
access to upload information that will be searchable by Google.

Analysts view the service as having the potential to grow into a huge
forum for classified ads. But Google executive Marc Leibowitz said Google
merely wants to serve people who have information to share that is not
already on a website and being crawled by a search engine to open it up
to the public.

'Google Base is a way to let anyone upload information about anything'
Experts point out that the new service's potential to challenge classified
listings or auction leaders depends on its gaining critical mass.

"Google Base is a way for Google to let anyone upload information to
Google about anything. That's the master plan. Exactly how that master
plan will unfold isn't clear," said Danny Sullivan, editor of the influential
website searchenginewatch.com.

"Maybe it really will turn into a great place for those with classified listings
that will lead to a dedicated spin-off service. The overall goal seems to be
put this tool out there and see what people make of it," he said. - Sapa-
dpa