Google is beta testing a domain hosting service

As some expected they might do at some point, Google has opened up a domain hosting service. The aptly named Google Domains is currently in beta form, and sits at invite-only. Though Google hasn't shared just when it would open up for mass consumption, the reasoning behind the new service is sound.

Think about it: how do you find information on businesses? You search. Google's reseach found that around 55% of small businesses don't have a website, which doesn't make a lot of sense in 2014. Whether looking for a coffee shop or new Thai restaurant, we're increasingly turning to apps like Yelp to gather data.

Domains will work like any other hosting service, too; find or buy a domain, even transfer an existing one. Google is quick to point out it's not fully featured yet, and that a small number of businesses have invitations right now. The company is rolling it out incrementally to make sure things like support can scale effectively.

With Google Domains, businesses can also create up to 100 connected email accounts, and 100 sub-domains. Google will also naturally use their own DNS servers, so page load times should be pretty responsive. Google will also have a set of website building tools, so getting a site up and running should be really easy for your favorite hole-in-the-wall greasy spoon.