OpenX (previously OpenAds), developers of another popular free ad server, recently made their concerns known. But in doing so they cleverly painted a picture of Google as Big Brother…placing doubt in the minds of readers about Google’s master plan. Normally I shrug this kind of stuff off, but their point resonated with me. It is in Google’s best interest to determine what margins are being earned on their web publishers’ properties – and reduce that margin to the lowest the market will bear.

Did it stop me from signing up for a test drive of Google Ad Manager? No. But will I think twice before managing all my ads with a Google product? Absolutely.

Side note: As conversionrater.com accurately points out, free has its price, and some businesses are looking for more than just a low price point. And just as Google Analytics shook up the analytics world (didn’t kill it, like some expected), Ad Manager will probably do the same. Competition can be a very good thing.