App Engine offers a lot more than just a space to run web applications, it offers an entire framework (basic so far) that you can use to build web applications.

Unlike AWS, where it’s not trying to change the nature of web infrastructures, App Engine is a very different approach. You can build web application in a single file (though you can do this with Camping in Ruby or with other frameworks out there) and instantly deploy to a live platform — all fully integrated from dev to deployment. It’s like directly developing on a live distributed platform. No more worry about optimizing mySQL, or using S3/mogileFS — just code right away and use what AE is offering.

It’s not hard to imagine having something like this, but having the guts to offer something like this and having the guts to challenge all the other established frameworks — is a big plus for Google.

However, as with all new stuffs, we’re all in a wait and see moment. There’s a lot of discussion about App Engine now, including neutrality (self-interest in investing successful apps hosted in AE). Also, although Google is known to be successful in both search and online advertising, it has yet to make it’s mark in other areas.

But i can say, we’re in a strange new world — very different indeed. It’s a game changing move.

I once read that one of Google’s advantage is it’s infrastructure, and i also believe it can be for any startup, if it can master an efficient strategy — but with something like this — it’s going to be just your app and probably luck to stay ahead.