An analysis of three domain name registrars / web hosts

Blue Genesis
Tucows, a well-known Canadian-based distributor of free software and shareware, has set up a system called OpenSRS, which makes it relatively simple and inexpensive for resellers and smaller companies to wholesale domain names.

Blue Genesis is one OpenSRS registrar, where they register domain names for as little as $14.99 CDN.

The process of registering a name at a service like Blue Genesis is fairly simple, needing no further explanation except on one point: hosting. Blue Genesis offers free parking of your domain name for the duration of the registration period (a standard contract is one year). You can however opt for hosting services that start at CDN$9.99 a month for an email account that includes a pre-designed, single page 'business card' website.

Power tip: email dnsadmin@bluegenesis.com if you want to get control over all the information on your domain name registration. They will send you a username and password that will give you access to the OpenSRS system where you can change all the details in your registration.

 
Pair Networks
Pair Networks is a small business based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We chose to cover it as an example because this host provides a solid service that competes on a technical level with some of the most expensive online hosts, yet they are extremely inexpensive, with a basic hosting account starting at US$5.95 plus a US$5 set-up fee.

The low prices offered by Pair are mainly possible because the company provides NO telephone technical support, making this not the hosting choice for the faint of heart. With that said, the company's website provides in-depth support information and email support is also available.

You can register a domain name with Pair Networks when you are signing up for one of their hosting accounts. Pair is currently using Network Solutions to handle domain name registration, which costs $70 US for a two-year registration period, or US$35 a year. However, Pair is moving to their own domain name registration system in the near future, and plans to charge US$19 for the initial registration term (likely one year).

When signing up you do not need to sign up for a fancy account to host your domain name; a simple FTP account will do.

Power tip: If you sign-up for an account with Pair Networks, the best way to get help is through their password-protected newsgroups.

 
Domain People
Domain People is a relatively new Canadian company that is solely focused on providing domain name registration services. They are able to register .ca addresses in addition to the standard .com, .org., and .net domains.

Currently, Domain People charge US$35 to register a .com address for a single year. This fee includes free, unlimited email forwarding and a single page, template-driven website.