For those that have been hiding under a rock (as I have), Google now has a SOAP API for its search and spelling engines. During the beta period, anyone can apply for a key to get 1000 free uses of the API per day. Despite the fact that I hate SOAP, expect something useless here to prove how wonderful Google really is.

I assume that the free access is only temporary, so it will be interesting to see what sort of charging schedule they decide to implement. Without the facility to display adverts and poetry, how else can they ensure they remain profitable? Simply charging for access to the API hooks might not be the best way to encourage people to use them.

I guess only time will tell.