After a two month wait my Google Analytics invitation arrived this week. To put you in the picture, Google are providing a "free to use" web application which runs on their servers and allows users to gain information about traffic to their sites (maximum of five sites allowed, but only the account holder’s websites).

I haven’t had a chance to check it out thoroughly. What I can tell you is there seems to be alot of useful marketing data.

Google claim Google Analytics tells you everything you want to know about how your visitors found you and how they interact with your site. Google says you’ll be able to focus your marketing resources on campaigns and initiatives that deliver ROI, and improve your site to convert more visitors.

Google claims this service has the enterprise level capabilities expected from a high end web analytics tool and also provides timesaving integration with AdWords.

What interests me is Google Analytics tracks non-AdWords initiatives as well.

I’ll let Google have the final say… "Google Analytics is one way we invest in our advertisers and everyone else who wants to create quality content on the web. With Google Analytics, you can get started today creating targeted, ROI-driven marketing campaigns and improving your site design and content."

Although I have yet to form an opinion of this website marketing data information tool one thing is for sure as far as you the reader is concerned… unless you apply for an invitation yourself you won’t know what you’re possibly missing. So, on the basis that you could miss out I suggest you apply for your own "Google Analytics invitation"

Had a chuckle last night on discovering Google had inadvertently let the ‘cat-out-of-the-bag’ about their plans to offer total file storage, a back-up if you will for everyone - accessible from anywhere.

Is there no limit to Google’s generosity? Or should I take any notice of those guys over at www.google-watch.org and become highly suspicious of the behemoth’s motives?

The chuckle factor due to the inability to bring up google’s .com and .co.uk sites even though I could access any other site I surfed to. Only for a few minutes mind, but just serving to remind one of the vagaries of online life.

Google, of course, being tight-lipped about the whole affair, through a spokesperson stated Google had nothing more to say at this time.

Just have to wait with bated breath, then… or not.