The U.S. Defence Information Systems Agency created the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) in 1972. This authority was responsible for assigning the unique address (string of numbers) for each computer connected to the Internet.
In 1983, the University of Southern California tested their Automated Domain Name System, in which readable names were used instead of clumsy strings of numbers such as 657.239.038.6.
1985 was the birth of .com and domain names. These addresses mostly belonged to the US government, mainly military.
It was not until 1990 that the Internet went commercial,and it was the following year, 1991 that the World Wide Web (WWW) was introduced. The first WWW software was created by Tim Berners-Lee.
In the following year, 1992,the U.S.'s National Science Foundation (NSF) granted an exclusive contract to Network Solutions Inc., to be the sole registrar for the Top Level Domain (TLD) names .com, .net, .org The NSF maintained a central database of domain names called WHOIS.
For each new Domain name a $100 fee was charged. This fee also allowed for a two-year Registration period. Each additional year after that was charged at the rate of $50.
The rate of domain name registrations in May of 1993 was reported as 400 per month. In September 1994, Network Solutions Inc., reported that it was registering domain names at the rate of 2,000 per month.
Network Solutions Inc.(NSI), maintained its monopoly over TLD name registrations up until 1999. It was in that year that the U.S. Department of Commerce dismantled NSI's monopoly and opened up a competitive market for .com, .net and .org domain names.
The rigid pricing, poor service and frustrating delays should now all be in the past with the now competitive service operating. Unfortunately, however, I continue to hear stories of registrants (or resellers for registrants) charging like wounded buffaloes and giving lousy service. I give an example of this on my web site ianswebsites.info.
I have called this article 100 Million Domains.
At the time of writing this article, (first half of 2007), there are not 100 Million Domains. There is only a mere 65 million. But, when I give you an indication of the incredible growth of Domain Name Registrations, I am sure you will agree with me that we will soon reach the 100 Million Domains target.
On the 6 March, 1997, the one millionth domain Name was registered. On 4 May the following year 1998 the two millionth domain name was registered. It was on 6 November the same year that the three millionth doman name was registered.
9 March, 1999 saw the four millionth, and 29 May the five millionth. April the following year, 2000 saw the ten millionth Domain name registered. And now in 2007, around the 65 millionth mark.
If you graph these statistics, you will see a very steeply rising curve. We may even reach the 100 Million Domains target by the time you read this article.
If you would like further details of the actual Domain Name milestones, I give them on my web site 100MillionDomains.com
The billions of Internet users everywhere are now able to shop for competitive pricing and great service. You are no longer limited to a monopoly of a single private provider. The big guys, the well known guys, are NOT necessarily the ones that offer the best prices and service. Shop around, look at what is offered by the various firms and at what price.
Ian McKenzies Domains provides outstanding services and prices to its customers. Those participating in Ian McKenzies Domains reseller programs are able to retail Domain names at prices lower than other resellers are paying wholesale, and still make a profit.
Netcraft uses the domain name system to identify Web sites, check how many of them are in a particular location, which operating system and Web server software they're running, and then publishes its information in a monthly report. There were just 18,000 Web sites when Netcraft, began keeping track in August of 1995. It took until May of 2004 to reach the 50 million milestone; then only 30 more months to hit 100 million, late in the month of October 2006.
The top five nations with the most web sites are: (1) United States: 54,641,322, (2) Germany: 15,029,978, (3) United Kingdom: 6,189,578, (4) Canada: 2,812,669, and (5) France: 2,550,717. The United States, Germany, China, South Korea and Japan show the greatest Web site growth.
Why this tremendous growth? "There have been price wars going on in both the domain name and Web hosting industries for some time now, and as a result it's very affordable to create your own Web site, and the tools, the software being offered by these companies are much better," said Miller.
But most importantly is the realization that the Internet now provides new and interesting ways of socially bonding and belonging to a group...something that all of us need. Today, you can share a photo, or a video, or a story, or a joke, or an auction, and even find a mate, by belonging to a group. And, the sharing can take place across vast oceans and large continents in a matter of moments. You don't have to be next door or down the street any longer.
It's way too early to tell if your personal URL will replace your Social Security Number and your legal name, but some celebrities are already planning for the new future. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have already registered domains for all three of their children.
Fueling this change is the use of broadband and the information that it can bring. Now, the computer is always on and the information is always there. Ten short years ago you had to call the bank to get your checking account balance, or visit the bank in person, or wait for your statement to arrive in the mail. Ten years ago baseball box scores and weather forecasts were found in the newspaper or on TV. Now, information is updated and delivered immediately to your computer or a myriad of other hand-held devices of your choosing.
It's just not box scores and weather that people want. People are becoming familiar with the availability of good content and information that they can readily access, consume online, and respond to immediately. They are now having more of their needs filled, whether it's travel, shopping, or all of the other activities that didn't exist to the same degree in the early days of the Web.
Today, individuals and businesses are beginning to recognize that a Web site is the ultimate identifier. As a Mortgage Professional you need to realize quickly the importance of this revelation and set-up your own personal Web site. It isn't good enough to ride in on the coat tails of your employer, or your mortgage broker. You need to establish your personal identity and do it now.
Your personal Web site will give you an opportunity to showcase both your mortgage information and your expertise. It is the perfect platform to express your views, take-a-stand, and state your opinion. It will also be your guarantee that you'll still be participating in the Mortgage Business in the years to come.
Both Ian Mckenzie & Tom Domin are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ian Mckenzie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Education, Dancing and Writing. Ian McKenzie (www.ianmckenzie.name) is Director of Ian McKenzie's Domains. Visit www.ianmckenziesdomains.com for reseller programs, or www.ianmckenziesdomains.biz for cheaper domain name purchase and great value web site hosting.. Ian Mckenzie's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Tom Domin has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Sales and Negotiation and Prospects. Tom Domin is the author of "101 Ways to Originate Mortgages" and publisher of "Tom's Mortgage Tips" a twice monthly Mortgage Newsletter geared for Mortgage Professionals. Increase your pipeline and put your mortgage career on the fast track and sign-up fo. Tom Domin's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.