Domain Name Politics, by Alec Kopman

On TV, in newspapers, and in magazines you keep hearing about having an identity on the Internet, having an Internet presence and other IT propaganda. Simply having a website is not enough. The key to succeeding is your domain name.

But since Network solutions lost its monopoly of domain name registrations, a new industry has erupted with a loud bang. New, simpler registrars like Dotster.com and DirectNic.com have appeared on the scene, easily stealing millions of clients from Network Solutions. Remember the days you had to FAX in a confirmation of your identity in order to change any of your registrant information? Do you remember having to deal with confusing verification e-mails that Network Solutions bombarded you with, when all you needed to do is change the phone number of your Administrative contact? Those days are long gone. Now, all you have to do is log into your Dotster account, modify the form with your domain's information and submit it. Within hours, you are updated hassle-free.

In addition to sticking with its outdated verification system, Network Solutions has kept their pricing at a level much higher than the industry standard has lowered to. Fifteen bucks is all it takes to buy a domain for a year, but your friends at Network Solutions still charge $35! Granted, their accessibility, reliability and support have improved. You can actually get into a support chat one-on-one with a tech who will answer all of your questions.

But how long can they possibly keep this up?