Grand Central and Free Phone Numbers.
One of Google’s newest acquisitions, GrandCentral is slowly beginning to open up with invitations. I like invitations. The free phone number space has been expanding slowly for at least a couple of years, and it’s nice to see that Google recognizes the value in having one, centralized phone number, and unlimited storage of voicemail messages. Other free phone number services I’ve used or am familiar with include PrivatePhone, Kall8, AIM Phoneline and Lycos Phone, amongst others.
This is likely a large step towards integrating a phone number with Google Talk to compete with the likes of strong offerings from Skype and Gizmo Project.
It is very important to give out a centralized phone number to all of your contacts for reputation management. If you ever change your cell phone, home phone, or work phone, everyone who needs you in all personal and professional areas will be able to reach you.
