New initiative will benefit domain name registrars and web services providers.
GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY) has formally launched its Domain Connect Initiative, which promises to make it easier for domain name owners to set their domain names up for third-party services such as Shopify and Squarespace.
This wouldn’t be very interesting if it were just for GoDaddy. But the Domain Connect Initiative is an open set of APIs that all registrars and web services providers can use. Already, competing registrars including eNom and United Domains are on board.
Domain Connect Initiative is designed to solve a common problem. When people set up a web service such as a Shopify store, they then have to log into their registrar account and point the domain to the service.
Domain name investors might think this is easy, but it’s a challenge for most consumers. Even I can get a bit confused when it comes to setting up multiple DNS records types, TTL settings, etc.
The APIs will allow the web services providers to connect directly to the registrar to make the changes on the customer’s behalf.
I can see multiple benefits of Domain Connect for registrars and service providers.
Registrars will receive fewer support queries. They can also hold on to domain name customers that might consider registering a domain directly with the web services provider to avoid the hassle of changing records.
Service providers will also get fewer support queries, can cut down on documentation, and will have less abandonment that was caused by technical confusion.
Eric Borgos says
Wow, that actually makes a lot of sense. I am surprised nobody has done that before.
Adam says
GD doesn’t have enough money to acquire the .com before the announcement? That person just made hit the jackpot!
Andrew Allemann says
I don’t think the .com is really important here. Someone looking for the info will find it.
ShariLee Beynon says
Well, unpopular I may be, but I’m not for this at all. To begin with, you only have to forward your domain one time, and as long as you stay with a service provider–that’s it! The registrar, in the meantime, now has to let you know when your domain is up for renewal, which is a financial decision for me, and for many others, I suspect. I don’t want something like that done for me. I want to be in charge of my own business. If some consumer can’t figure out how to log into their registrar and forward their domain–then the registrar is available to walk them through it–or probably do it for them for a $. I believe that the more we allow automation to take over our responsibility for our own business, the more distance occurs between the owner and the business. That is the kiss of death for any business owner. That’s my rant!
Joseph Peterson says
Anything that makes it easier for a “lay” audience to set up a website on a new domain is a good thing.