On Mar 11, 8:38 am, Milan Andric <[email protected]> wrote: > Right now according to the license on the website > it’s as if Google only wants to support non-commercial applications?
Not at all. We want as many commercial applications as possible to be using the API. The only caveat is that, for a number of reasons, we can not offer it to them for free. Much of the data that the API relies on, both for map tiles and other services like geocoding, directions, and elevation, does not belong to Google. We license it from third party providers that collect and maintain it. We pay them for the right to use the data on Maps, and to syndicate it through the API. However if a third party is making money from the use of their data, they understandably want their share. Consequently we have a variety of complex agreements in which some portion of our Maps API Premier revenue is shared with these providers in proportion with the amount of their data being used by Premier sites. In addition to this, providing the free API has an associated cost that we have to cover too. Our Terms state that we do not show ads, and that even if we chose to in future, you will be able to opt out. So when we look around for ways to cover our costs, I don't think it's unreasonable for us to ask that those sites that are themselves making money from the service contribute in some way to supporting it. Consequently the Premier offering contributes significantly to our ability to offer the service for free to non commercial sites. In addition developers of commercial applications are also more demanding. If the API goes down for some reason, you'll be much more upset if it's losing you money. Maps API Premier provides the support, SLA, and accountability that such sites expect. If your use of the Maps API complies with the free terms but is important for your business, and you choose not to buy a Premier license, you accept that you have forfeited your right to complain if there is a problem that impacts your business. Hope that all makes sense, Thor. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Google Maps API" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/google-maps-api?hl=en.
