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Matt Hicks takes a closer look at why Google has signed contracts with ICANN, to become a domain name registrar.

I have two theories...

1. They want to tap into the Whois data in order to improve search technology - being able to link together spam sites to a common owner is one benefit.

2. They could offer low-cost - or even free - registration and then entice you to join AdWords to promote your new business.

From eWeek:

"Google on Friday officially became a registrar after completing a contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the nonprofit body that oversees the Domain Name System, ICANN officials confirmed.

ICANN's approval is only a first step. Google also must negotiate terms with the registries that manage the domains before it can sell registrations. For the .com and .net domains, for example, Google is not listed on the Web site of registry VeriSign Inc. as a registrar. VeriSign officials could not immediately verify Google's status.

So far, Google appears to be less interested in registering new domain names and more interested in using its domain-name role to help its Web search."

Andy Beal is an internet marketing consultant and considered one of the world's most respected and interactive search engine marketing experts. Andy has worked with many Fortune 1000 companies such as Motorola, CitiFinancial, Lowes, Alaska Air, DeWALT, NBC and Experian.

You can read his internet marketing blog at Marketing Pilgrim and reach him at andy.beal@gmail.com.