The Domain Name After-Marketplace

The evolution of the Internet and e-commerce has fueled a new category of exchange: domain names. According to Red Herring, domain names are ". . .among the most sought-after real estate in the high-tech economy." The importance of a domain name is twofold. First, each constitutes a unique digital asset; secondly, the right domain name represents a company's brand, email, and Web identity.

In only a few short years, domain names have become ubiquitous in our culture, media, and everyday language. There are currently 12 million domain names registered worldwide. According to IDC, the current number of registered domains represents a mere 4% market penetration. A good name, they say, is hard to find. Domain names, like every asset, require a standardized trade forum.

Early developments in buying and selling secondary market domain names have shown that the existing market has huge potential.

Without Afternic.com, the market is inhibited by the lack of a central marketplace, and a secure method of domain registration transfer. Without a secure, centralized arena of exchange that can mediate the interests of both parties involved and create market liquidity, there is no guarantee of the successful completion of transactions.

Domain Names are
"among the most sought-after real estate in the high-tech economy"
- Red Herring, September 30, 1999