Top > Webmaster > 2007 > February > 2007-02-15

Gmail Opens to Public

Google opened its Email service, Gmail, to direct sign up in several countries. Up to now, People interested in obtaining a Gmail account had to receive an invitation from a Gmail user in order to sign up. In a number of countries, including the United States, users can now register without an invitation, but with a cellular telephone number. A direct link to registration was added to Gmail`s website. Google`s Email service was launched on April 1st, causing many to believe the announcement was a prank. Initially Google offered a 1 gigabyte account, unprecedented at the time. Later the account capacity was doubled. Today a Gmail account holds 2.8 gigabytes and continues to grow daily. In a response to Gmail, Microsoft and Yahoo both expanded their online Email services account capacity.

During the early days of Gmail, Google provided Gmail account users few invitations to Gmail, and even sold invitations for tens of dollars or online barter agreements. Later along the way, the number of invitations given to users, until eventually the number climbed to 100, making signing up to Gmail easier for many. The reason for the limitation of Gmail growth is apparently intended to keep growth at bay in order to avoid system instability

A survey published last year by ComScore stipulated that 52 million individuals use Gmail world-wide, making Gmail, the fourth most popular online Email provider. Yahoo Mail, is number one, with 226 million users, followed by Microsoft`s Hotmail, with 222 million users, and AOL`s Email service, with 66 million users. Opening Gmail to mass registration may help increase Gmail`s ranking and popularity.