A couple of months ago, I called on security gurus like Verisign
This week, Google
Big G has enabled a two-factor login option for business-grade users of Google applications like Gmail and Google Docs. The idea is simple: Logging in with the new feature turned on will require something you know (your password) and something you have (your phone). After the password is accepted by Google's login process, a numerical code will be generated. You can get that code by SMS or a voice call (great if you're the last Luddite without a cell phone), or run an application on your phone that generates the same code.
This is a much more secure way of doing things than a simple username and password, because no hacker is likely to have stolen your dang cell phone. If that happens, other companies are doing their part too: Both Verizon
Smartphones not named BlackBerry are slowly becoming serious business tools, and in this case they also aid Google's quest to enter the corporate computing world with its cloud services. More security is always a good thing, and this feature may well lead to plenty of new business for Google that relies on subscription fees rather than advertising revenue.