Who are the Registrars?

Registrars are the top-tier companies that specialize in selling domains to retail customers. Essentially, they act as intermediaries between end users and the registries that manage top-level domains (TLDs).

The Registry System

At the core of the domain name system are registries, which are responsible for maintaining the database of all domain names within a specific TLD. There is only one registry for each TLD, ensuring a standardized and coherent system. The primary job of these registries is to keep all domain servers up-to-date and functioning correctly.

However, these registries do not directly sell domains to customers. Instead, they work in collaboration with a network of authorized registrars who handle the actual sales to the public. This separation of roles significantly simplifies the registry’s job, as registrars are required to pay in advance for the domains they expect to sell. This system also reduces the need for complex retail websites or constant communication with the registry.

Registrar Responsibilities

Registrar companies play a crucial role in managing and selling domains, handling various tasks such as marketing, customer service, and administrative duties. Some of the key responsibilities include:

Marketing: Promoting domains and domain-related services to attract customers. Website Creation: Developing user-friendly websites for domain registration. Payment Processing: Handling credit card payments for domain purchases. Customer Support: Addressing customer inquiries and ensuring a smooth user experience. Domain Management: Collecting and displaying customer information on WHOIS servers. Renewal reminders: Providing notifications to customers about the need to renew their domains. Delete expired domains: Removing domains that are no longer in use from the domain database.

The Role of Resellers

Many customers prefer to buy domains through resellers rather than directly from registrars. Resellers offer a convenient one-stop-shop for customers, allowing them to sign up for a domain, web hosting, and email services at the same time. Some registrars, like Tucows, focus on selling to resellers, providing them with discounted rates and specialized support to help them manage their clients' domain needs.

Regulation and Oversight

Both registries and registrars are regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is the organization responsible for overseeing the domain name system and ensuring its stability and security. By obtaining authorization from ICANN, both registry and registrar companies can operate within a set of guidelines that maintain the integrity of the global domain system.

In conclusion, domain registrars play a vital role in the management and sale of domain names. Their responsibilities extend from marketing and website creation to customer support and domain deletion. Understanding the intricacies of the domain system and the key players within it can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions when it comes to managing their online presence.

Keywords: registrars, domain names, domain management, ICANN, WHOIS server