Domains

A domain name is a company’s identity and unique identifier on the internet, which, upon registration, is legally owned by the company. A domain name represents your "address" on the Internet. It is a written phrase that contains several components separated by a period ("dot").

Computers identify each other with numbers rather than words. Each domain name is therefore assigned a numeric equivalent, called an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which might look something like this: 123.12.34.1. For this reason each domain must be assigned to a functioning DNS (Domain Name Server). DNS is responsible for the matching of the domain name with which computer users identify, to the numeric equivalents recognised by computer operating systems – DNS hosting. This arrangement allows users to invoke an easy-to-remember name (yourdomain.co.za) rather than a string of numbers when seeking out a website on the Internet.

Anyone trying to establish a presence on the Internet should register a domain name. Good domain names could be brand names, trademarks, service marks, company names, products, services, family names, your name, organisations, or interests. Like any trade name, logo, or brand name, your domain name reflects a significant part of your business identity - something customers and business associates can recognise, remember, and positively associate with your services or products. Registering your domain name will at very least prevent someone else from using it. More important, however, is that with your own use of this domain name on the Internet, it becomes a constant positive reinforcement.

Domain names are as common, and as important as telephone numbers. As such, domain names should be included in all correspondence, (both as a website address and as an email address.)

Benefits of having a domain:

• Corporate identification (branding) and increased company exposure
• Multiple users can have their own identity with the company name (domain name) in their email address
• Companies can move their business email accounts between internet service providers, at any given time, allowing for contractual obligations, without changing email addresses, similar to that of number portability in cell phone service providers.

Cinotas offers a comprehensive solution to your domain requirements:

• domain name registration - local and international top level domains
• domain registration renewal
• domain hosting
• DNS hosting services

Domain registration and renewal:

	Hosted	Not Hosted
Setup fee	FREE	FREE
Transfer fee	FREE	FREE
Full DNS control
24/7 support
.co.za	R 75.00	R 100.00
.com	R 100.00	R 150.00
.net	R 100.00	R 150.00

Click here for a consultant to contact you for domain registrations, renewals and transfers.