10 dollars annually to claim domain name

Google got into the website registry business as the Internet juggernaut set out to add momentum to its free online software offerings.

Google teamed with domain registry firms GoDaddy.com and eNom to create an application that enables people to claim their own .com, .net, .org, or .info realms for a cost of 10 dollars annually.

Google Apps for Your Domain was billed as a streamlined way for people to host Web addresses personalized with their names, hobbies, interests or pithy wordplay.

"Now you've got one-stop shopping ... just find a domain, buy it, and get started," Google software engineer Costin Manolache wrote in a company blog.

"We'll do all the behind-the-scenes configuration work for you."

GoDaddy and eNom are leading domain registration services in a packed market.

The alliance was part of Google's strategy of offering people free online use of software programs for writing, accounting, e-mail and more.

The approach, considered a "Web 2.0" trend, liberates people from having to buy, install and maintain software on their computers.

Google cashes in by selling online advertising targeted at those lured to the website by its host of free applications.