Buckaroo BVGN - February 2008

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FREE eNewsletter Volume 6, Issue 2

February 2008

Are You the Master of Your Domain?

By Deborah L. Daily

Recently, I was asked, “What’s the most common problem that you encounter with customers and their websites?” I answered, “domain name ownership.” Unfortunately, if you don’t own your domain name, it can wreak havoc on your life later – especially if you choose to host your website elsewhere or if you decide to change website developers. Unfortunately, there are those in this business who act with less than honorable intentions and do so by holding your “domain name” as hostage and demand a king’s ransom to purchase it. This headache can be easily avoided.

Any authorized, credit card carrying person can purchase their own domain name online at a price range from $8.95 to $35.00 per year (e.g. Verisign.com, Register.com, and GoDaddy.com among others). As a purchaser, it’s important to deal directly with the major domain registrars. Do not purchase your domain through a 3rd party or domain reseller. Anyone can be a domain name reseller; however, many times their backend support through the major domain registrars for site administrators is very poor.

Critical pieces of information during domain name registration:

•		E-mail address. Later your email address will be used to notify you of any changes made to your domain information, possible transfers, registrar invoices, etc.)
•		Credit card used for the actual purchase
•		You, your IT manager, or your site administrator should continue to update and maintain the most current information regarding ownership and administration.

If you don’t own your domain name or you let the information lapse, dealing with some registration companies is like sacrificing your first born in order to prove your identity. Trust us; we’ve had to go through this bloody experience on behalf of our clients! On one hand, this can be very irritating; on the other hand, it’s for our own good! Domain registrars don’t allow ANY exceptions in the area of security and domain access. Consequently, it's very difficult to steal or otherwise use a domain name owned by someone else.

“The easiest thing to do is to do it right the first time!”

The easiest thing to do is to do it right the first time! If you have a company like BTGI purchase your domain name for you, make sure the domain is registered in your company’s own name. If you’re not sure, check it yourself online, or make your vendor put it in writing with his/her signature - in BIG PRINT - that you own your domain name now, always, and forever, and can take it with you regardless of where you conduct your business in the future.

Now the big question, “How do you know if you own your domain name?” Here’s how to check…

•		Go to Verisign.com, Register.com, or GoDaddy.com among others
•		Look for the “WHO IS” link or button and double click it
•		Enter your domain name and click the Enter Button to access your domain information.

Next you will see a variety of information. The most important being the following:

Registrant: Your company name should appear here. If not, you don’t actually own your domain! The party listed actually owns it. Therefore, take steps to get that changed immediately.

Administrative Contact: This could be a designated person within your company.

Technical Contact: Is usually the person who develops and controls your website.

Make sure this information is current! Verify and update your information annually. If key personnel leave your company or your host provider changes, make sure this new information appears in your domain contact information.

Take control of your domain name. It’s quick and easy. The few minutes you invest now can save you weeks of frustration proving your ownership down the road!

Be Visible. Get Noticed.

For more information on domain-related issues, contact Buckaroo Technology Group by calling us toll free at 877.344.0290 or 317.845.0830 or click here.

Final Thought...

"Success and failure are equally disastrous."

Tennessee Williams
American Dramatist (1914-1983)

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Buckaroo Technology Group Incorporated
7987 Wolford Court, Suite 200
Fishers, IN 46038