The Googel Base homepage has suddenly had a number of new categories added, which many people have been seeing and noticing. Michael Nguyen calls it Google Base Creep and explains how to keep tabs on the next vertical: “Want to see the next Google Base vertical page? Add “&ui=g” along with “&a_n0=term” to the query. If the page returned is usable, you’ll get a sneak peak at the upcoming interface. (Google Research Articles, Google News and Articles, Google Events)”

We’re seeing evidence of competition with eBay, so it’s much more than scope creep. Although the “Blogs” ccategory seems odd and the protein database too niche, some of these categories are very usable for mainstream people. Google Events incorporates Google Maps.

Web 2.0 startups should be worried about this. This is Google’s database of structured content, and once they start heavily promoting Google Base to the masses via the Google.com homepage, it’ll easily dwarf the databases of all the little vertical players.

Google jobs is relatively niche, and integrates with Google Maps and Google Local. It won’t worry SimplyHired and co. because their services are still much deeper and focused. However, the integration of Base’s verticals with core products like Maps and e-commerce will have smaller vertical players worrying their heads off. Even big companies like eBay are taking notice.

via zdnet