.Net

.Net names were introduced at the same time as .com, but have enjoyed comparatively limited popularity. As of October 2000, around 3,300,000 .net names had been registered, compared with over 18,000,000 .coms. So in what circumstances should you even consider registering a .net name, when .coms are obviously so much more popular? Here are a few suggestions:

When You Need a Good Unregistered Name

The relatively small number of .net names registered has positive aspects as well as negatives. In particular, it means that there are many good .net names still available, names that have already disappeared from the .com namespace. So if you don't have the time or inclination to purchase a .com name, why not investigate whether the name you want is still available in the .net namespace. It might well be.

When You Believe in the Power of Microsoft!

When Microsoft announced their .Net™ Internet strategy, the status of dot net names got a big boost. If you believe the saying "Where Microsoft goes, the market follows" has relevancy on the Internet, you should surely be interested in utilizing a .net name for your Internet identity.

When Your Business is Networked-Centred

For some businesses, a .net name might be more suitable than a .com name For example, if your business revolves around providing any kind of network services, perhaps if you are an ISP or an e-mail provider, using .net might be the right way to go. You should still register the .com name, but only as a protective measure, and the .net version should be your public face.

To Protect Your Namespace

This will be the compelling reason for most businesses to invest in .net names. To put it very bluntly: if you run a business using a .com name, you don't want someone else running a business using the .net version of your name. It will simply confuse your customers. So register the .net version and keep your namespace clean!