Google's One Pass Offers Rival Online Publishing Platform

Google's new One Pass platform makes it easy for online publishers to sell their access to their content either via subscriptions or one-off payments.

Initially available in seven countries (the US, the UK, Canada, France, Italy, Spain and Germany), the service is designed to help publishers monetise their content.  Like the subscription service Apple launched in its AppStore just two days ago, Google's system allows users to buy individual articles online and import them to a mobile device.   Users own the content that they buy, they don't just hire it.

The service is free for publishers, but Google will take a 10% cut on transactions; Apple takes 30%.

Some commentators have interpreted the new development as an intensification of the rivalry between Apple and Google in the field of online content.  Others, though, are glad to see the two giants going head to head and are glad to see some much-needed competition for Apple.


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