Businesses to be hit as Google starts charging for maps service

Google's services have famously been built on the principle of offering something for nothing. But that approach is over - at least where Google maps is concerned. The 'API' - script that allows sites to build Google Maps into their sites or apps will no longer be free for heavy users from January 1, 2012. Google is keen to emphasise, though, that the changes won't hit sites or apps who are light users of Google Maps. Ordinary restaurants or hotels, say, won't be affected. To be charged, you have to hit 25,000 map loads per day. But a substantial number of sites could be affected. Worldwide, there are 1,115,421 different websites and apps using Google Maps into their site, according to site metric specialist Builtwith. Travel, shopping, business and news sites look likely to be the ones hit with Google's charges, as these sectors are the heaviest users of the service. Unless site owners agree to the charges, or do a deal with Google, they will be unable to use Google Maps.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2056128/Google-Maps-start-charging--thousands-sites-apps-hit-fees.html#ixzz1cgc8Utug