Google to charge small businesses for Web-based Apps software

PAY UP: Google Inc will no longer offer its Web-based office productivity software free to small businesses, the Internet company's latest move to expand revenue beyond its core advertising services. — Reuters

SAN FRANCISCO: Google Inc will no longer offer its Web-based office productivity software free to small businesses, the Internet company's latest move to expand revenue beyond its core advertising services.

Google said on Thursday that businesses with 10 or fewer people will now need to pay US$50 (RM150) per user per year — the same rate that larger businesses pay — to use its Google Apps software which includes e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools.