Search firm quietly unveils payment service

Google has added a feature to Google Base that allows merchants to handle payments through a user's Google account. The feature effectively turns Google into an e-commerce platform for retail operators.

The move could put the organisation into direct competition with eBay and the Craigslist online classifieds network by offering merchants the option of hosting product descriptions and using Google Base to handle the transactions.

"For buyers, this feature will provide a convenient and secure way to purchase Google Base items by credit card. For sellers, this feature integrates transaction processing with Google Base item management," two Google managers said in a posting on the Google Base Blog.

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