The Wonderful World of Google Software and Services Checking Out Google Tools and Services Vangie Beal
As Google continues to work its way into the world of e-commerce, you should know its product line — if you don't already. Google has expanded its search technology into blogging, mapping, shopping, research, and much more. In fact, Google now has so many services it's hard to keep them straight. Here's a quick rundown to help you boost your Google IQ.
Google Search
Throughout its brief history, Google has focused on developing the "perfect search engine" by combining overall importance and query-specific relevance to present search results. Google offers a host of Web search services you can access through the main search page. For example, to use the calculator you simply type your math question into the Google search box, or for dictionary listings simply type "definition" in the search box before the search term — there is no need to load a separate search page.
Google also provides quick links to different types of searches directly from the main Google search engine page, or you can access them by clicking "more" on the main search page.
Google code offers quick access to Google APIs and open source code for developers. Some of the current offerings include Google AJAX Search API (for adding a powerful, customizable search engine to your Web site), Google Maps API (for adding Google Maps to your web site), AdWords API, Blogger API, Earth SDK, Talk (XMPP), News Feeds, and Desktop API, along with many other APIs and Open Source projects.
Nicknamed "Google's Technology Playground," Google Labs provides access to some of Google's beta and in-development projects. You can try the prototypes and then send your comments on the product or service directly to Google developers. Some of the current prototypes available include Google Extensions for Firefox, Google Related Links, Google page Creator, Google Scholar, Web Alerts and more.
Similar to Google search, Blog search allows you to look for your search term within blogs only. Results are from all published Blogs, not just those published through Blogger.
Smart shopping through Google Product Search (formerly known as Froogle) helps you find and compare product prices both online and in nearby stores. With Product Search you can sort search results by price, search within a specific price range, or compare product prices. To use the local shopping feature, simply add a geographical region to your search (e.g., Dell Inspirion, New York, NY) and you'll see stores near your search location. You can also view a map or get driving directions.
Google AdWords provides a way to purchase targeted cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-impression (CPM) advertising. AdWords ads are displayed along with organic search results on Google, as well as on search and content sites within the Google Network (including Google Maps and Blogger). To use AdWords you pay a one-time activation fee, and after that you pay only for clicks on your keyword-targeted AdWords ads, or for impressions on your site-targeted ads. You can control your costs by selecting how much you're willing to pay per click or per impression and by setting a daily budget for spending in your account.
Google Checkout is a convenient one-click e-commerce checkout option similar to PayPal that's designed to benefit both online buyers and sellers. Shoppers that use Google Checkout can quickly and easily purchase from online stores and track all their orders and shipping through one centralized interfae. The service also includes privacy and fraud protection, with the customer's full credit card information never being shared with sellers.
Sellers can take advantage of Google Checkout's synergy with the AdWords search advertising program to increase sales while minimizing expenses (for every $1 spent on AdWords, a seller can process $10 in Google Checkout sales for free.)
