Google has today launched an online marketplace for business applications, called the Apps Marketplace, which is in similar vein to Apple’s AppStore and Salesforce.com’s AppExchange. All of the tools available in the marketplace integrate with Google’s online desktop productivity suite and are themselves web-based.

PC World – The launch of Apple’s iPad will pave the way for a slew of rival products this year, an Arm executive said Wednesday, predicting over 50 tablet PC devices will be launched globally.

PC World – What will HP’s Slate Tablet have that Apple’s iPad won’t? It’s Adobe Flash, a key Internet technology that HP is touting as the key difference between the two platforms. And, HP is right, though how Flash support will translate into sales remains to be seen.

NewsFactor – Competitors in the fast-moving tablet-computer category are lining up to take on Apple’s iPad. Hewlett-Packard is the latest to preview its upcoming slate product, and other companies like Lenovo, Sony, Dell and Acer are similarly positioning their products.

AP – An executive who helped run The New York Times’ Web site has been hired to guide The Associated Press’ effort to sell consumer applications for the Apple iPad and other digital devices, the news cooperative said Tuesday.