Up until a few years ago the company called Network Solutions was solely responsible for registering domain names. However today the rules and regulations have changed and we will be able to find an independent ICANN registrar with whom you can register your domain name.

An ICANN authorized registrar has direct access to the database of domain names and the ability to modify them. The entire industry is regulated by ICANN which issues the license to companies allowing them to operate as a registrar. As a registrar the company will be able to handle domain names, IP addresses as well as domain name extensions.

In order to avail the services of a domain registrar you will have to pay them a certain amount of money in order to book a domain name and avail their web hosting services. In turn the registrar itself has to pay a fee to the authorizer which in this case is the company Network Solutions.

The fee has to be paid for every domain name that is registered through them. This amount is fixed for the registrar whereas the registrar has the freedom to determine the price at which the services will be made available to the public.

When looking to set up your own website it is important that you book your domain name only through an accredited ICANN registrar. This is because their domain hosting services will be cheaper when compared directly.

However it is important not to fall blindly for the web hosting company that is putting the lowest prices. This is because the level of services offered by each registrar may vary considerably and hence you need to be aware when selecting a particular company.

In addition you will find many companies who offer you free domain name registration services when you acquire their web hosting services. However these free services have a limited timeframe which usually spans over one or two years.

The other benefit of registering with an accredited registrar is the fact that you will know that you are dealing with a reputable company. This is important because the Internet is flooded by domain reselling companies that are not as reliable.

There is no way of guaranteeing that your domain reseller will be around when you need to renew your domain name for an additional term.

The fact that you know your domain registrar is actually being monitored by Intrenic and has been accredited under a federal government agency enables you to trust the company more easily. By knowing you are not dealing with a scam artist you will have the peace of mind which you may not be able to have otherwise.

Keeping the above mentioned points in mind will help you not only to select an accredited ICANN registrar but also one that offers you maximum benefits. A secure domain name and comprehensive web hosting service forms the backbone of your online business venture.

To claim a domain name and use it for building your virtual office or website,

you need to go to a domain name registrar, check the availability and register

the name out of available options.

Today there is a plethora of domain name registrars available. But it was not

always so.

Till 1998 Network Solutions was the only company that was authorized to register

the domain name. It lost its monopoly after that and many companies have risen.

While competition is good for the prices, it also adds to the confusion.

When you look for a domain name registrar, you should keep following in mind:

Accreditation: ICANN maintains a list of accredited domain

registrars. The registrar pays application and annual fees to ICANN. A fee is

also paid by the registrar to Network Solutions, the company that maintains the

central registry of domain names. When you choose an accredited registrar, you

ensure that your chosen domain name is officially part of the Internet. A list

of ICANN accredited registrars has been posted in our blog.

Sometimes you might find a webhost or other sites allowing you to register

at their website. These act as reseller to the accredited registrars. In such

cases, they should disclose to you which registrar they represent.

Terms: Be absolutely certain to read and understand what you are getting

before you pay. Read about ownership clause and other terms of condition.

Price: There was time when getting a domain name registered was an

expensive affair. But now you can get a domain name much cheaper. There are many

types of discounts available that vary greatly with registrars. Do check out

various deals.

Duration: Do not register your domain for more than one year in the

beginning. You would like to evaluate your registrar before committing for

further.

Delay: A domain name is generally available within 48 hours after you

register it. Check your registrar’s site to determine how long you will have

to wait. If it says something like 7 days, do not go for that registrar.

Domain transfer: You should be able to transfer your domain name to

another service without any restriction and for a fee not exceeding than fee for

new registration. A lot of registrars also offer free transfer.

Generally there is a restriction on domain transfer for 60 days after you

register your domain. Please check your registrar to find any other restriction

and curbs.

Customer Support: This is another very important aspect. You need a good

support system in case of any problem. Check out if phone or chat support is

available. If Email support is the available support then it should not take

them more than one business day to respond.

Few of the commonly used registrars are mentioned below. If you need to ask some

specific question about some registrar please visit the forums on this topic.

Many people would happily share their experience and guide you.

* nsi.com

* Register.com.

* Dotster.com

* 000domains.com

* Signaturedomains.com

* Godaddy.com

* Namecheap.com