In an effort to expand its market reach in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Network Solutions, Inc. announced the acquisition of Internet Domain Names,
Inc. (idNames), a provider of worldwide domain name registration services in the two-letter country code top-level domains (ccTLDs).
In a statement released yesterday, Network Solutions cited research estimates that show Germany’s .de, the United Kingdom’s .uk, Sweden’s .se, and Denmark’s .dk to be among the fastest growing country code top-level domains.
In addition to its RegistrationPlus service, Network Solutions said it plans to offer idNames registration services to corporate counsels, executives, and brand managers through selected channels in 184 countries.
“Marketers have embraced the popular phrase, ‘think globally and act locally,'” said Doug Wolford, Network Solutions’ senior vice president, marketing and sales. “Now our customers will enjoy a total product offering that helps them to look global with .com and look local with a country code domain. For many multinational businesses and brands, a local domain name address may significantly enhance their in-country presence and increase their appeal to local consumers.”
Last year, Network Solutions said its registrations for .com, .net, and
.org domains equaled over 1.5 million through year-end 1997. Total
registrations in the country code domains were estimated at more than 500,000
through year-end 1997, according to the company.
Houston, TX-based idNames employs proprietary search software that searches and reports on names registered in all country code top-level domains and sub-domains.
The company’s database is designed to enable technical navigation of country code requirements, allowing users to research whether a company needs a
local presence to register and where the DNS host can reside. Users can also access information on registry fees, dispute policies, and payment policies.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
