Radix Registry will be the operator of the .Host domain registry, as it is one of the uncontested strings for which the company applied. Smartly, the company just announced that it will be accepting pre-registrations for .Host domain names at HostingCon, which is being held in Austin, Texas right now. There are three applicants for a competing .Hosting gTLD.
HostingCon is reportedly the web hosting industry’s largest tradeshow, and there are close to 2,000 attendees at the annual conference. Radix has a booth on the tradeshow floor, and the company will begin to accept non-binding pre-registrations for .Host domain names today. Pre registrations are available for HostingCon attendees as well as people who aren’t at the conference, and they can be made at DotHostRegistry.com.
There are several reasons why I think offering pre-registrations are smart:
- Can gauge the interest in .Host domain names
- Can use the pre-registration list as a means of determining the premium domain names that will cost more
- Can get a prospect list
- Interested buyers can be notified when .Host domain names are available
It’s a wise move for Radix to offer these domain names to this highly targeted crowd. Being the sole applicant for the gTLD allows Radix the opportunity to market this extension before its .Hosting competition has a chance.
So what about all the people thst already pre-registered for .host names at all those other services taking pre-orders. Are thosw services going to be in a fist fight to represent their customers at the front of the reallre-registration line?
Here’s what the press release says:
“Pre-Registering for a .host domain is completely free and non-binding. However, pre-registration is an expression of interest and doesn’t constitute a confirmed order, or assurance that a preferred name will be reserved. Radix will keep those who pre-register for a .host domain informed of the launch process, furnish personalized reminders and offer discounts and special deals, increasing the odds that a pre-registered name will be granted.”
Got it, auction time!