If you are considering developing a Web site for your business, now is a good time to purchase the domain name for your online storefront. If you have not totally decided but are considering an online presence, now is still a good time. Because of the many domain names that have been created and purchased since the beginning of the Internet, you may not get the one you want. Once you decide on the URL, you have several options of domain name dealers to purchase from.
Search the Internet for "domain names," and check out the services and prices from the various dealers. You'll find a variety of options from those that only sell domains and nothing else to those that will also host your site. ICANN maintains a list of accredited dealers. If you buy a domain name from a dealer that only sells you the domain name, you will get just that?the domain name reserved on the Internet for you. You will still have to find a company to provide a Web site or e-mail service for that domain.
If the domain name you want is taken, you can find out who owns the name by going to Internic/whois and entering the name. This site tells you who the owner is and provides contact information.
