...APIs to enable web hosts to offer their subscribers access to Webmaster Tools. Subscribers will be able to create Webmaster Tools accounts and submit sitemaps without leaving hosts control panels.

In all, this is a boon to web hosts, since theyll be able to add value for their subscribers. Subscribers wouldnt be forced to participate in Webmaster Tools, but easy access to information to help new and inexperienced webmasters understand how their site is doing in Google would probably be pretty popular. Google gets sites that are better optimized and more relevant in its index.

And if you dont want to take my word for it (Webmaster Tools is cool), then take Andys:

At BlogWorld, an audience member asked me to share my #1 SEO recommendation for bloggers. Tough question, right? I told the audience that every blogger should sign up for Google Webmaster Tools. Its the only place where you get data straight from the horses mouth and the information they share is invaluable.

The APIs are free to use for web hosts and Google will even give you a pretty little badge (shown above).

A similar pilot program with GoDaddy has been running since November, and has apparently seen success.

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