Rachel_Sandford
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Google maps is without question the most used map service on the web. Providing customized maps, street views, and driving directions, if you need to figure out how to get anywhere in the world, you get on Google maps. Many websites even use Google Maps API, which lets site owners integrate the Google maps service onto their website, assuring that users don't need to click any where else for directions.
This week, the company announced that beginning January 1[SUP]st[/SUP], 2012, it will begin charging for the service on 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] party sites, particularly those that go beyond 25,000 loads per day. Usually these are the sites whose businesses rely on maps and location. Travel agencies and travel tips sites are two examples, while some hotel chains are another.
According to the search engine giant, this new system will only affect 0.35% of users. Thor Mitchell, Google Maps API product manager said in a statement: “We understand that the introduction of these limits may be concerning, however, with the continued growth in adoption of the Maps API, we need to secure its long-term future by ensuring that even when used by the highest-volume for-profit sites, the service remains viable.”
The company announced that they intend to charge $4-1$0 per day for every 1,000 loads beyond the limit. This is because beyond 25,000 and these sites are making money at Google's expense, taking up bandwidth without paying for it. Google has been offering a Premier API intended for business use, and it starts at $10,000 per year. Depending on how often Google maps is used, third party sites can determine whether or not to get the Premier API or be charged per day.
This week, the company announced that beginning January 1[SUP]st[/SUP], 2012, it will begin charging for the service on 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] party sites, particularly those that go beyond 25,000 loads per day. Usually these are the sites whose businesses rely on maps and location. Travel agencies and travel tips sites are two examples, while some hotel chains are another.
According to the search engine giant, this new system will only affect 0.35% of users. Thor Mitchell, Google Maps API product manager said in a statement: “We understand that the introduction of these limits may be concerning, however, with the continued growth in adoption of the Maps API, we need to secure its long-term future by ensuring that even when used by the highest-volume for-profit sites, the service remains viable.”
The company announced that they intend to charge $4-1$0 per day for every 1,000 loads beyond the limit. This is because beyond 25,000 and these sites are making money at Google's expense, taking up bandwidth without paying for it. Google has been offering a Premier API intended for business use, and it starts at $10,000 per year. Depending on how often Google maps is used, third party sites can determine whether or not to get the Premier API or be charged per day.