For now, the database, called Google Cloud SQL, is available on limited preview mode, which means that the company will hand-select the developers who get access to it.

During this preview period, Google Cloud SQL will be free of charge. Google will announce pricing a month before it starts charging for it.

"You can now choose to power your App Engine applications with a familiar relational database in a fully-managed cloud environment. This allows you to focus on developing your applications and services, free from the chores of managing, maintaining and administering relational databases," wrote Navneet Joneja, product manager for Google Cloud SQL, in a .

An import/export feature will allow developers to move on-premise MySQL databases to Google Cloud SQL, where Google will handle back-end maintenance and administration tasks, while replicating data to multiple data centers, he said.

also has a control panel for developers to engage in front-end administration of the databases. With Google Cloud SQL, App Engine developers get an option to Google's proprietary Big Table database.