Google gets to first base

Google finally took the wraps off its mysterious Google Base project, unveiling a giant database that allows users to upload data on just about anything, from car ads to recipes.

While Google claims the site is simply a way for "content owners to easily make their information searchable online,", most observers saw it as a clear attempt to take on the classified ad market.

But if that is the company's secret agenda, it may have a ways to go, with several early reviewers complaining that the site was kludgy and difficult to use. While some users were excited by the possibilities that Google Base presents, many were left wondering, "Ok, so what exactly is this for?"

Blog community response:

"It's like a 1985 dBASE file with less functionality. It's ugly. It's centralized content with less functionality than ebay or craigslist. The content is not integrated directly into Google search results, but "relevance" can bump it up into main and local search (and froogle)."
--TechCrunch

"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. Maybe there won't be any particular date types that are uploaded. 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."
--Search Engine Watch

"(Google Analytics) and (Google Base) are intriguing strategically but I'm a little puzzled by their mandates other than extending the Google empire into new areas while supporting the search and AdSense initiatives. Perhaps that is the ultimate goal but, like many people, I'm looking for Google to become more ambitious."
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