Tag Archives: Moniker

Domain Name Registrants, Domain Name Registrars, ICANN and Governance

ICANN Grants Data Retention Waivers To Six German Registrars

ICANN logoICANN has granted six German registrars data retention waivers under the 2013 Registry Accreditation Agreement due to conflicts with European data protection laws and the RAA.

The registrars in question granted the most recent waivers are Moniker Online Services LLC, Key-Systems, LLC, Key-Systems GmbH, InterNetworX Ltd. & Co. KG, http.net Internet GmbH and AZ.PL, Inc.

All six registrars cited as justification for their waiver request as a previous waiver given to RegistryGate GmbH “on the basis of its contention that compliance with the data collection and/or retention requirements of the Data Retention Specification in the 2013 RAA violates applicable law in Germany.”

The waiver requests were requested “pursuant to Section 3 of the Data Retention Specification of the 2013 RAA, which provides that if a registrar is subject to the same applicable law that gave rise to ICANN’s request to grant a previous data retention waiver under the 2013 RAA, a registrar may request that ICANN grant a similar waiver, which request shall be approved by ICANN, unless ICANN provides Registrar with a reasonable justification for not approving such request.”

There were slight variations in the requests, but they all cited problems such as the “registrar’s technical backend services provider as well as data storage and collection occur on servers hosted and operated in Germany, and is subject to German law. Accordingly, ICANN has determined that it is appropriate to grant Registrar a data retention waiver similar to the waiver previously granted to RegistryGate GmbH.”

Domain Name Aftermarket, Domain Name Registrars

KeyDrive Sells SnapNames to Web.com

KeyDrive logo[news release] KeyDrive S.A., an internet solutions holding company with subsidiaries providing domain registration, monetization and aftermarket services, announced today (3 March) that it has sold the SnapNames business unit to Web.com. KeyDrive acquired the two sister companies SnapNames and Moniker from Oversee.net in 2012. While SnapNames is focused on domain acquisition, brokerage and sales, Moniker is one of the largest US based registrars.

“Moniker now plans to work even more closely together with KeyDrive and its sister company Key-Systems to strengthen its position on the US registrar market and to become an even more powerful international registrar. KeyDrive will be reinvigorating the Moniker brand with new technology, products and commitment to their customer service”, said Alexander Siffrin, Chairman of KeyDrive.

The disposition of SnapNames will have no negative effect on the customer experience of the Moniker clients. The same staff will be taking care of all customer needs and customers will access their accounts as before. Moniker will continue to work with SnapNames as in the past and the usual business will not be interrupted for clients.

In February Bonnie Wittenburg assumed the position as Moniker CEO. Under her leadership the synergies and cooperation that existed between Key-Systems and Moniker will be increased. A series of new service offerings is planned by Moniker in the future through this increased cooperation. Wittenburg plans to focus much attention on the development of Moniker’s customer service as Moniker expands the product offerings.

Among the unique strengths that the parent company KeyDrive and its members bring are the commitment to offer a broad range of domain name extensions including pre-registration for over 700 new top level domains, a large ccTLD offering and a variety of domain-related services such as professional registry services and IT infrastructure services accompanied by a strong costumer focus provided by domain experts.

About KeyDrive S.A.

The KeyDrive S.A. holding located in Luxembourg includes the Key-Systems Group, the NameDrive Group as well as Moniker. The subsidiaries offer different internet related services. Among the core business areas are domain registration, monetization and aftermarket services. With the takeover of Moniker in January 2012 the group has more than 6 million domains under management. To learn more, please visit www.KeyDrive.lu.

 

Domain Name Aftermarket

Moniker & SnapNames Announce Premium Domain Name 2014 Kick-Off Auction

[news release] Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S.A. companies and leading providers of domain name solutions, today announced their 2014 Kick-Off Premium Auction catalog. This auction offers quality hand-selected domain names that businesses can leverage to build marketing strategies and attract customers. Standing out amongst the more than 920 million websites worldwide today is no small feat, with a quality domain name as the foundation, businesses can gain a head-start over the competition.

The 2014 Premium Kick-Off Auction is now in-progress online and ends Thursday, March 6 at 3:15 pm EST. Details can be found at: https://www.moniker.com/domainauction/events/2014-kickoff-premium/

To speak directly to a domain name sales specialist regarding domains for sale and bidding options contact us by email or phone – Email: auction[@]moniker.com; Phone: Toll free in the U.S. and Canada 866-690-6279 Option 3; Outside the U.S. 503-241-8547 Option 3.

About Moniker and SnapNames

Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S.A. companies, offer registries, registrars, businesses and individuals an array of services for domain registration management, acquisition, brokerage and sales. Moniker introduced the live domain name auction concept and is a top worldwide registrar. SnapNames pioneered and operates the largest online auction of registered, expired and deleting domains, giving its customers access to the world’s best selection and most valuable names every day. For more information visit www.moniker.com and www.snapnames.com.

This Moniker/SnapNames news release was sourced from:
https://www.moniker.com/domainnewsresources/news/moniker_snapnames_announce_premium_domain_name_2014_kick-off_auction

Domain Name Aftermarket

SnapNames Launches .CO.UK and .CN Domain Drop-Catching Auctions

[news release] SnapNames®, a KeyDrive S. A. company and leading provider of domain name buyer and seller solutions for every stage of the domain name lifecycle, announced today that .CO.UK and .CN domain names are now available through their popular online marketplace. Bringing already registered .CO.UK and .CN domains to the global market further establishes SnapNames’ commitment to bringing businesses and brands the domains they need to reach end-users in a borderless internet based world.

As the world’s third and fourth most popular country code top-level domain (ccTLD) extensions, demand for .CO.UK and .CN is aptly reflected in top worldwide internet usage penetration rates and volumes. According to the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations agency, 80% (more than double the global rate) of UK households had internet connection in 2012 making them one of the most connected nations worldwide. China had the highest number of Internet users globally with over 560 million users (over 42% of China’s population) leaving further opportunity for continued explosive growth.

“With the addition of .CO.UK and .CN domains to the SnapNames marketplace, our technology continues to evolve and is now even better positioned to deliver domains most relevant to our clients and partners globally,” said Craig Snyder, CEO of Moniker and SnapNames. “We are committed to connecting our clients with the best available inventory on a global scale. Success enablement is a big part of our business strategy and having .CO.UK and .CN domains in our marketplace will promote economic growth for end-users within their respective regions.”

To ensure you don’t miss out on target .CO.UK and .CN domains, simply place backorders using the SnapNames search tools. To view the .CN pending delete download list go to: https://www.snapnames.com/download.jsp

About Moniker and SnapNames

Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S.A. companies, offer registries, registrars, businesses and individuals an array of services for domain registration, acquisition, management, valuations, brokerage and sales. Moniker introduced the live domain name auction concept and is a top worldwide registrar. SnapNames pioneered and operates the largest online auction of expired and deleting domains, giving its customers access to the world’s best selection and most valuable names every day. For more information, visit www.moniker.com and www.snapnames.com.

This news release was sourced from:
https://www.moniker.com/domainnewsresources/news/snapnames_launches_.co.uk_and_.cn_domain_drop-catching_auctions

 

Domain Name Aftermarket

KK.com Blitzes Weekly Sales Chart To Become Year’s Second Biggest

Domain Name Journal logoKK.com creamed the competition in the Domain Name Journal weekly sales chart for the week ending 10 November, selling for $2,400,000 through Moniker/SnapNames to easily eclipse the next biggest sale that would normally have topped the charts, ride.com, which sold for $325,000 through DomainNameSales.

Third place was taken by lsn.com, selling for $100,000 through Moniker/SnapNames.

The sale of kk.com was the year’s second biggest to date, being topped by ig.com, which sold for $4,700,000 in September.

DomainNameSales had a hand in eight sales for the week, two of which were in conjunction with GoDaddy/Afternic, who had another two sales on their own. Sedo was responsible for five sales, while Moniker/SnapNames was responsible for three.

On the TLD side of things, .com took out the top 15 positions and 19 of the top 20, while the one remaining domain was a .me.

To check out the weekly chart of top reported sales in more detail for the week ending 10 November, go to: dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2013/20131120.htm.

Domain Name Aftermarket

Second Seven Figure Two Character Domain Sale For 2013

The second million dollar plus domain name sale of 2013 took place this week with kk.com selling for “for the awesome price of $2.4M” Kevin Kopas reported on the Moniker/SnapNames Facebook page yesterday.

The only reported sale of 2013 that betters the sale, according to Domain Name Journal’s sales chart, is also a two character domain name, that of ig.com which sold in September for $4.7m.

However it should also be noted that these are reported sales, with numerous unannounced sales taking place.

Domain Name Aftermarket

Moniker and SnapNames Announce Premium Year-End Auction

[news release] Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S. A. companies and leading providers of domain name solutions, announced today their Premium Year-End Auction. The online auction showcases some of the most sought after domains on the market and provides businesses, including start-ups and established companies, access to domain names for long term, strategic growth initiatives.

The premium auction event features over 120 hand-selected domains across many popular online verticals including Automotive, Entertainment, Finance, Food, Health, Sports, Travel, Technology, and More. The inventory has been specially selected for its unique blend of keywords, branding characteristics, and price points. From Low & No Reserve to Ultra Premium reserve ranges, the catalog caters to the growth initiatives for companies ranging from early stage startups to global corporations. Past events have produced notable sales such as Social.com, Data.com, Guns.com, QE.com, Platinum.com, Empire.com, Dating.com, Tshirts.com and many more.

Additional information including links to the auction can be found at:
https://www.moniker.com/domainauction/events/2013-year-end-premium/

“We have a strong history of providing our clients with domain names that boosts growth opportunities across global markets,” said Craig Snyder, CEO of Moniker and SnapNames. “Consistently delivering on our promise to provide quality inventory allows businesses a unique opportunity to start 2014 with domains that compliment their branding and business strategy while taking control of their online identities.”

Auction End: November 14, 2013 at 3:15 pm ET

To speak directly to a domain name sales specialist regarding domains for sale and bidding options contact us by email or phone – Email: auction[@]moniker.com; Phone: Toll free in the U.S. and Canada 866-690-6279 (Option 3), Outside the U.S. 503-241-8547 (Option 3).

To participate in the auction an active SnapNames account is required. To set-up a new account go to: https://www.snapnames.com/add_acct_1.jsp.

For more details visit: https://www.moniker.com/domainauction/events/2013-year-end-premium/

About Moniker and SnapNames

Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S.A. companies, offer registries, registrars, businesses and individuals an array of services for domain registration management, acquisition, brokerage and sales. Moniker introduced the live domain name auction concept and is a top worldwide registrar. SnapNames pioneered and operates the largest online auction of registered, expired and deleting domains, giving its customers access to the world’s best selection and most valuable names every day. For more information visit www.moniker.com and www.snapnames.com.

 

Domain Name Aftermarket

Quartet Of Six Figure Sales Top Weekly Chart

Domain Name Journal logoA trio of six figure domain name sale topped the Domain Name Journal list of top reported sales for the week ending 29 September, with the very hot.com topping the chart in a $850,000 sale brokered by Moniker/SnapNames.

In equal second was finances.com and housing.com who both sold for $500,000 in private sales while moneta.com came in fourth selling for $150,000 in a sale brokered by Sedo.

Overall Sedo had six sales for the week on the chart, but there were bettered by GoDaddy Auctions with eight of the top 20 while there were three for Moniker/SnapNames.

It was a big week for .com sales as they took out 17 of the top 20 sales, while there was one each for .org, .de and .net.

To check out the Domain Name Journal list of top reported sales for the week ending 29 September, go to dnjournal.com/archive/domainsales/2013/20131009.htm.

Domain Name Aftermarket

Moniker and SnapNames Announce Premium Spring Domain Name Auction

[news release] Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S. A. companies and leading providers of domain name solutions, today announced their Premium Spring Auction. The online auction showcases some of the most sought after domains on the market and provides businesses, including start-ups and established companies, access to domain names for long term, strategic growth initiatives.

The premium auction event features hand-selected domains across popular business categories and will include starting bid prices ranging from Low & No Reserve to Premium price points. Past events have produced such notable sales such as Social.com, Data.com, Guns.com, QE.com, Platinum.com, Empire.com, Dating.com, Tshirts.com and many more.

Additional information including links to the auction can be found at: https://moniker.com/domainauction/events/2013-04-spring-premium/

Featured domains include: BarbecueSauce.com, CarRepairs.com, Feature.com, FixedRateLoans.com, GolfingSchool.com, Jockeys.com, Lbs.com, NachoCheese.com, Plum.com, Receive.com, Screening.com, Visitor.com, WebServer.com, WindowShades.com, YogaClasses.com and more.

“We strongly believe a premium domain name is the foundation for growth on the internet today. From e-commerce sites to brick and mortar establishments seeking an online presence, a premium domain provides tangible benefits unlike that of traditional customer acquisition methods,” said Craig Snyder, CEO of Moniker and SnapNames. “The SnapNames auction platform and our world-class brokerage team connect established businesses and early stage start-ups with assets that drive go-to-market strategies and create launch pads for products and solutions. Making that process globally accessible has been the driving force for our success and this auction is no exception.”

Key Dates:

Auction Start: April 11, 2013 at Noon US Eastern Time

Auction End: May 9, 2013 at 3:15 pm US Eastern Time

To speak directly to a domain name sales specialist regarding domains for sale and bidding options please contact us by email or phone – Email: auction[@]moniker.com; Phone: Toll free in the U.S. and Canada 866-690-6279-Option 3; Outside the U.S. and Canada 503-241-8547-Option 3.

To participate in the auction an active SnapNames account is required. To set-up a new account please go to: https://www.snapnames.com/add_acct_1.jsp.

For more details visit: https://moniker.com/domainauction/events/2013-04-spring-premium/

About Moniker and SnapNames

Moniker® and SnapNames®, both KeyDrive S.A. companies, offer registries, registrars, businesses and individuals an array of services for domain registration management, acquisition, brokerage and sales. Moniker introduced the live domain name auction concept and is a top worldwide registrar. SnapNames pioneered and operates the largest online auction of registered, expired and deleting domains, giving its customers access to the world’s best selection and most valuable names every day. For more information visit www.moniker.com and www.snapnames.com.

This news release was sourced from:
https://www.moniker.com/domainnewsresources/news/moniker_and_snapnames_announce_premium_spring_domain_name_auction

Domain Name Aftermarket

Actors.com and MountainBiking.com Headline the Afternic, Moniker and SnapNames Spring Domain Auction

Afternic logo

[news release] Afternic, Moniker® and SnapNames® kicked off their joint Spring Auction today (28/2), featuring 136 high-quality premium domains across a variety of vertical industries and categories. The Spring Domain Auction, which runs through 12:15 PM Eastern on March 22nd, features keyword-rich premium domains, many with low or no reserves, with strong return on investment potential.

This premium auction is comprised of a curated list of domains that have the ability to increase site traffic and drive revenue from search visibility for both investors and end users. “We are excited to once again be partnering with Moniker and SnapNames to bring these sought-after domains to the public in an auction format,” said Jason Miner, Chief Operating Officer of Afternic. “This ongoing partnership allows us to fulfill our vision of bringing a unified global aftermarket to our customers while leveraging the world-class SnapNames auction technology.”

Premium domains are valued because of their ability to increase site traffic, create instant brand-ability, and generate revenue derived from search visibility. The complete catalog and online auction details can be found at: www.snapnames.com/store/event.action?ig=1306

A partial list of domain names include:

Actors.com
Acquittal.com
GrowingLocal.com
BootSales.com
BridalPresents.com
HuntingSupply.com
LowQuotes.com
Sweat.com
WorkoutApparel.com
SkiFashion.com
MomChat.com
MoutainBiking.com
Itemized.com
GetTickets.net
Deductibles.com
CeramicTileFloor.com
FleetCars.com
… and many more.

About Afternic
Afternic’s Domain Listing Service (DLS) is the world’s largest domain marketplace, offering millions of currently registered domains for sale through leading registrars worldwide. Through DLS, domains are promoted for sale to millions of active domain buyers worldwide. Afternic is part of NameMedia, a leader in the acquisition, development and trading of digital real estate through a network of highly targeted websites and a marketplace for premium domain names. The company’s website development focuses on creating compelling online communities in niche categories. The company’s marketplace allows owners of premium domain names to sell domains, and for domain buyers to review the largest available inventory. Through its ownership of one of the largest domain portfolios in the world, its innovative website development platform, and its broad distribution, NameMedia now serves more than 50 million visitors to its network of websites and sells domains to customers in more than 100 countries. Headquartered outside Boston in Waltham, Massachusetts, more information is available at http://www.namemedia.com.

About Moniker and SnapNames
Moniker® and SnapNames® offer registries, registrars, businesses and individuals an array of services for domain registration management, acquisition, brokerage and sales. Moniker introduced the live domain name auction concept and is a top worldwide registrar. SnapNames pioneered and operates the largest online auction of registered, expired and deleting domains, giving its customers access to the world’s best selection and most valuable names every day. For more information visit http://www.moniker.com and http://www.snapnames.com.