I'm sure everyone in the hosting business has heard about Google's domain hosting service:
https://www.google.com/a/

It lets you associate any domain that you own and use the gmail interface. Kind of like being able to us MS Outlook, but online and with Google. I've used it for a couple of domains and I've got to say I really like it. However, I think this might destroy the lucrative market of email hosting, because who do people tend to trust more a small hosting company or Google with the safety of their data?

I think it all depends on whether or not people like the Gmail interface and how much they like it. I highly doubt that email hosts are going to die out because a lot of people can't stand Yahoo's hosting.

Google does provide a superior free email service since it reduces the potential of spammers registering multiple accounts by requiring a cellphone number to register. It is a pain and it makes you think that now you're gonna get phone spams but it does the job.

I don't think the others are going away though but new email hosts will have a tough challenge.

Well I am sure there will always be tons of free email services out there even if they are not as good as Gmail.

I would prefer to look for such service by paying somebody atleast to make some one accountable.

Smaller companies offer more customizations, not the default gmail look. Gmail is great but that doesnt have that private feel. Anyways, its getting tough for any kind of hosting companies nowadays.

Gmail is great! Simple & fast webdesign.

Service will always matter and believe if you give that then you will survive...