Previously services could embed Google Maps into their sites but in order to do so they would have to get an API key from Google. However Google is now offering a premium account for Google Maps, that would not require API key. Google is projecting it as a way to eliminate unnecessary hassles, however truth be told this is yet another way of generating revenues and is potentially the first time that Google has opted for a freemium model. According to Google Enterprise Blog:
As we continue to expand the capabilities of Google Maps API Premier, such as offering access over https and supporting unlimited address-level reverse geocoding, we see that our users increasingly host applications across a large number of domains. In the past, Google Maps API sites have required that an an associated key be provided whenever the API is used, which required managing multiple keys for various domains. We’ve heard that this process can be cumbersome, and in response, we’ve introduced maps without keys, exclusively for Premier users.
In order to inquire about a premium account, apply here.
