SmallBusinessNewz

Google, the company which is known for their in-house apps has expanded to help third-party developers sell their applications. Earlier this week, Google launched the Google Apps Marketplace. The service acts much like other downloadable services you use, i.e - iTunes App Store, Android App store. After putting Google Apps Marketplace through the proverbial paces, this is one service to keep an eye on.

In one fell swoop, Google has devised a way to monetize from third party applications, while helping to establish Google Apps to a wider audience. Nearly all of the third party apps you'll find in the marketplace integrate directly into Google Apps. When you download an application, you can allow it to communicate with your information, helping even more with productivity.

If you use multiple cloud based services, it can be a chore to keep up with passwords and updates. Using applications with the Marketplace, Google will track all software updates and allow you to store different passwords for easy use.

Upon release, Google Apps Marketplace has 17 different categories to browse through with a healthy amount of apps per category. You can find applications dealing with scheduling, security, Google analytics, and more. Like other app based services, there are 'Top rated', and 'Top installed' lists, so you can find what other business owners are using.

As mentioned above, Google has constructed a system which monetizes third party downloads and they've done so with a clever system. Developers will be happy to know Google charges a one-time fee of $100, and requests 20% of the prices of the application. Apple charges a $100 annual fee, and Android requires 30% per app price.

Scrolling through various categories, it's surprising to see how many applications are already available for download. Still being in relevant infancy, there are a few organizational problems. There seems to be some overlay issues, where apps look as though they belong in another category. Overall, the interface is highly intuitive and adding an app is as easy as one button press.

Companies have already begun advertising their Marketplace apps. Intuit, a business solutions management company for small-medium business have issued a press release for an app which provides a way to manage payroll through Google Apps.

Time will tell how successful Google Apps Marketplace becomes. Early reviews and impressions show a strong start for the service. My early walkthrough showed off an engaging marketplace, with apps which provide solutions for many business hurdles.