Domain names can be registered by individuals and businesses. The organization which has been designated as the administrator of the domain name registration process is ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers). ICANN does not register domain names itself, rather it authorizes other companies to do so. There are currently dozens of accredited registrars and more awaiting approval to be accredited. For a complete list of these registrars go to www.icann.com.

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If you are thinking of establishing your own web page, you will need to have a web address. A web address is typically provided as part of your subscription to the online service providers such as AOL or PeoplePC. If you wish to have your own domain name however, you must register the domain name with an ICANN authorized registrar. The simplest and fastest way to accomplish this is to do it on-line, although it can also be done in writing or initiated over the phone. It generally takes less than an hour to complete the registration process.

Registration fees vary dramatically. The price trend, however, is downward, which is good news for individuals securing or renewing a domain name registration. Until recently, Network Solutions was the sole entity authorized to register domain names. It charged a flat price of $70 for 2 years ($35 per year) and had no competition.

ICANN was empowered and charged to instill competition into the domain name registration market place. Since that time, a large number of new entrants have joined the fray, and prices have begun to drop dramatically. Registrations can now be accomplished for as little as $8 per year with average prices ranging from $12-$30 per year. Renewal fees are typically set at the same rate as new registrations. Approximately 60 days prior to the expiration of your registration agreement, your registrar will send a renewal notice.

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Domain names are being snapped up at a rapid pace. This means that timing can be rather important in deciding on and registering a new name.

Checking the availability of a domain name is simple and immediate if you have access to the Internet. On the home page of any of the authorized registrars you will find a search tool that will allow you to type in your desired domain name to see if there is a match for the name in the database. If the search turns up a match, it means the name has already been registered by another company or individual - you will need to try another name. If the computer finds no match, you may register the name at that time electronically.

Ownership information for domain names is a matter of public record and is available through most official registrars. If you find that your desired name has already been registered by someone else, you have the ability to contact that person or company directly and attempt to buy the name from them. This will be easier if the domain name is not yet associated with an active web page. Many people will reserve a number of domain names for future use, and they may be willing to sell the rights to a name they aren't currently using. Unless you perceive that the name has an extremely high value to your operation however, you should think carefully before laying down a lot of money for it. If you are creative you can probably come up with another name that suits your business just as well.

Over the past several years a robust secondary market has developed for domain names. Great Domains.com, one of the pioneers of the secondary market is currently the market leader, with approximately 1 million names listed for sale. Afternic.com, an after-market domain name auction service also has a strong presence.

Without Domain Name Service, most registrars will not process a new domain name. This means that you will need to make arrangements with a web site hosting service in advance of applying for your domain name. However, increasingly, the domain name registrars provide their own hosting services and are generally happy to "Park" your domain on their site for free until you come to the point where you are ready to activate it. In addition to the registrar companies listed with ICANN, there are numerous local, regional and national web hosting services available. What is more, prices for monthly web hosting service are coming down as competition for market share intensifies.

A web host provides the computer and telecommunications infrastructure that allows your web site to be accessed by Internet browsers and patrons. The server provided by the web hosting company, while transparent to the end user, is your critical interface to the world-wide-web.

Be aware that the fees for web site hosting vary greatly. Many local companies still charge fees as high as $30 to $50 per month. Most larger national hosting services are offering services for around $15 per month. Evaluate your alternatives carefully. Some services will try to lock you into a long-term commitment by offering a lower monthly rate. Others will offer a reasonable monthly rate on a month-to-month basis. Up front fees will also vary. Don't be in a hurry. Most services will allow you to "park" a domain name on their site free of charge. This means that you can get the hosting services primary and secondary hosting names and addresses (required by your domain name registrar) without signing up for the monthly service. Once you have registered a name and developed a web site, you will be able to initiate your hosting service at your leisure.

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