Google Apps Add-On Marketplace Opens

Google has launched the Google Solutions Marketplace, a way for software developers of Google Gadgets and other add-ons to reach business customers.The Marketplace enables developers to add their applications to a catalog of third-party add-ons that business customers can browse. Google hopes to develop an ecology of supporting applications around its Google Apps similar to the one Microsoft has around Office and to what Salesforce.com has built with its AppExchange.

Scott McMullan, the Google Apps partner lead for Google Enterprise, wrote on the company blog that "the Marketplace's initial focus is connecting customers of our communications and collaboration products like Google Apps and Enterprise search with 3rd parties that sell complementary products and services. But that's just a start. We expect to grow to fit the needs of an expanding set of Google customers and developers."CNET News, Webware