Dan.com, a prominent domain marketplace, recently announced its decision to cease the selling and purchasing of .IN domain names, effective July 26, 2023. This unexpected move has left many domain name owners and industry experts curious about the underlying reasons. While Dan.com did not explicitly disclose the specific issues they encountered with the .IN registry, it is plausible that their new owner, GoDaddy, played a significant role in influencing this decision. This article aims to delve into the corporate reasons behind Dan.com’s discontinuation of .IN domain names and shed light on the potential implications for domain owners.
Discontinuation Announcement
In an email sent to .IN domain name owners, Dan.com expressed regret in announcing the discontinuation of selling and purchasing .IN domains. Effective July 26, all .IN domains listed on Dan.com’s marketplace will be removed. However, it is important to note that any installment payments for previously purchased .IN domains will continue as scheduled.
The Role of GoDaddy
GoDaddy, a well-known company in the domain registration industry, recently acquired Dan.com. As part of this acquisition, GoDaddy became the new owner and operator of Dan.com. One of the domain extensions Dan.com offered was .IN, which is specifically designated for India.
When GoDaddy took over, they also became responsible for managing the .IN extension. This means they have to follow certain rules and agreements set by the IN Registry, the organization authorized by the Indian government to oversee .IN domains.
One of the important rules in the IN Registry accreditation agreement is that the registrar (in this case, GoDaddy) should not engage in or allow resellers to sell .IN domain names at prices higher than those charged to the public. This rule ensures fairness in pricing for .IN domains.
It is likely that GoDaddy influenced the decision to stop selling and buying .IN domain names on Dan.com because they wanted to comply with this rule. By discontinuing .IN domain sales, GoDaddy ensures that the pricing remains fair and equitable for everyone.
Understanding the .IN Domain
The .IN domain is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) specifically designated for India. The IN Registry, authorized by the government of India, operates and oversees the administration of the .IN domain extension. Numerous domain registrars, including GoDaddy, Hostinger, Name.com, Namecheap, Netim, OVH, Porkbun, and others, have been accredited to provide domain registration services for the .IN extension on a global scale. This accessibility allows individuals and organizations worldwide, not limited to Indians, to register and own .IN domains.
Exploring Alternatives
For individuals seeking alternatives to migrate their .IN domain names, several platforms can be considered. Daaz and Sedo are both reputable domain marketplaces that offer a wide range of domain registration and selling services. These alternatives can facilitate a seamless transition for domain owners looking to continue their online presence with .IN domain names.
Dan.com’s decision to discontinue selling and buying .IN domain names raises questions about the specific challenges faced by the company regarding the .IN registry. While the company has not provided detailed reasons for this move, it is reasonable to assume that GoDaddy’s involvement, as the new owner and registrar responsible for .IN domains, played a significant role. The decision could be rooted in the adherence to the IN Registry accreditation agreement and the need to maintain fair pricing practices. As domain owners seek alternative platforms to manage their .IN domains, options such as Daaz and Sedo present viable solutions. The implications of this decision by Dan.com and GoDaddy will undoubtedly shape the domain industry landscape and influence the future of .IN domain registrations.
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