Google Groups 2 is now open for BETA users ..
http://google.blogspace.com/archives/001231
Google finally bit the bullet and added mailing list support to Google Groups: Google Groups 2 - BETA. It even lets you create your own mailing list, just like Yahoo! Groups.
Google says:
- Group creation: Users can easily create, join, and search email-based mailing lists; administrative interface enables customized access controls to designate a group as public or restricted
- Dynamic conversations: Postings appear within 10 seconds and are indexed within 10 minutes
- Enhanced user interface: Users can track and mark favorite topics using the "My Groups" feature and view postings in a variety of ways including by message summary, title, or conversation view