Google Docs Gains E-Commerce Option

Google on Thursday released the Google Checkout store gadget, software that allows any Google Docs user to create an online store and sell items using a Google spreadsheet."Using new Spreadsheet Data APIs, we've integrated Google Docs and Google Checkout to make online selling a breeze," explains Google Checkout strategist Mike Giardina in a blog post. "In three simple steps, you'll be able to create an online store that's powered by Google Checkout and has inventory managed and stored in a Google spreadsheet."

Giardina insists that the process is simple and can be completed in less than five minutes.

To use the gadget, Google users first have to sign up for Google Checkout. They can then list whatever they want to sell in a Google spreadsheet and insert the Checkout gadget, which can also be used on Google Sites, Blogger, and iGoogle.

PayPal, beware.