Marchex launches numeric domain beta

[OnSpec]

Many of you know that I have been singing the praises of numeric domains for quite some time (there are several threads in the DNF archives). It's great to see such a prominent industry player like Marchex capitalizing on their numeric domain portfolio. I predict that this is just the tip of the iceberg for the usefulness and profit potential for these very versatile domains.


http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=32993&Nid=14862&p=297336

 

[Rubber Duck]

Many of you know that I have been singing the praises of numeric domains for quite some time (there are several threads in the DNF archives). It's great to see such a prominent industry player like Marchex capitalizing on their numeric domain portfolio. I predict that this is just the tip of the iceberg for the usefulness and profit potential for these very versatile domains.


http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.san&s=32993&Nid=14862&p=297336

Sounds as though this could work. Might take a while to catch on and probably needs some multi-media advertising to get things going.

Big question is: does Marchex have the full inventory of US zip codes or are there embarassing gaps that need to be filled by purchasing from astute domain speculators?

Obviously, I missed out on this one!

Best Regards
Dave Wrixon

 

[MediaHound]

Hey OnSpec, told you there were other big fish in the realm

 

[D MARKS]

I dont think they have all of the zip codes

 

[MediaHound]

I have some, so your hunch is confirmed.
There's a lot of others with them, too.

 

[Dale Hubbard]

Great idea. I typed one in (98019) and it's in redemption. I guess they're after them all, so there'll be a few folks doing USPS/whois lookups over the next couple of days.

Then there are all the zip+4 codes to collect if you really want to drill deep... into your pockets as well...

 

[financialtraffic]

Great idea. I typed one in (98019) and it's in redemption. I guess they're after them all, so there'll be a few folks doing USPS/whois lookups over the next couple of days.

Then there are all the zip+4 codes to collect if you really want to drill deep... into your pockets as well...

I agree, great idea. But for nearly everyone, their HOME online is/will be Google, YAHOO, MSN -- not their zip code.

I'm sure the numbers will work out in Marchex's favor. How much so, will depend on what kind of marketing can be done to boost awareness.

 

[ForumDomains]

It is an old business concept, so nothing new. If you really want to ride the new trends and Internet technology integration you'd better stick to ENUM standards instead of numeric ZIP domains. Another very promising avenue for integration of the web services are the public and private UDDI directories!

 

[Theo]

My very own is 127.0.0.1

 

[OnSpec]

Sounds as though this could work. Might take a while to catch on and probably needs some multi-media advertising to get things going.

Big question is: does Marchex have the full inventory of US zip codes or are there embarassing gaps that need to be filled by purchasing from astute domain speculators?

Obviously, I missed out on this one!

Best Regards
Dave Wrixon

I know for a fact that from what others own, that there are certainly some gaps in their inventory.

Hey OnSpec, told you there were other big fish in the realm

Very astute (as always) there Hound.

Cheers,

I agree, great idea. But for nearly everyone, their HOME online is/will be Google, YAHOO, MSN -- not their zip code.

I'm sure the numbers will work out in Marchex's favor. How much so, will depend on what kind of marketing can be done to boost awareness.

I think that you will see a great deal of activity in this area in the next 3-6 months.

It is an old business concept, so nothing new. If you really want to ride the new trends and Internet technology integration you'd better stick to ENUM standards instead of numeric ZIP domains. Another very promising avenue for integration of the web services are the public and private UDDI directories!

Old concept... agreed. However, it's the new technologies that will allow this part of our business to flourish. Will it be a flash in the pan? Perhaps. But folks like Marchex, and others, don't invest as much time, effort and other resources into a major project without doing a bit of research and homework. Besides, there are a few Marchex shareholders who will be looking for some nice returns on those investments.

 

[gogeorge]

It is an old business concept, so nothing new. If you really want to ride the new trends and Internet technology integration you'd better stick to ENUM standards instead of numeric ZIP domains. Another very promising avenue for integration of the web services are the public and private UDDI directories!

What is a public or private UDDI directory?

 

[dmyre]

The sites look pretty good. Here's one:

http://www.20010.com

The right column looks like a directory, but it's still PPC...

 

[ForumDomains]

What is a public or private UDDI directory?

UDDI stands for Universal Description, Discovery and Integration. The UDDI specification enables businesses to quickly, easily, and dynamically find and transact with one another. UDDI enables a business to (i) describe its business and its services, (ii) discover other businesses that offer desired services, and (iii) integrate with these other businesses.

http://www.ntt.com/uddi/index-e.html

The standard for UDDI directories is developed by a consortium between Microsoft, IBM, SAP, and NTT

 

[nitronet]

Marchex needs to forget this lame idea and go back to buying domains.

 

[OnSpec]

Marchex needs to forget this lame idea and go back to buying domains.

Like any other company, Marchex can do as they please to extend and enhance their business. And in a free society, anyone with an opinion can comment, critique, challenge or support others ideas and actions.

That said, opinions are like assholes ... everybody has one. :clown:

 

[dtobias]

This is the sort of thing that would be more sensibly done as a set of logical subdomains of a given base domain, like "90210.zip.info" if you already own "zip.info", for instance. That way, you could create whichever numeric names you want/need, without having to maintain thousands of registrations or worry about cybersquatters creating gaps in your coverage.

 

[Rubber Duck]

This is the sort of thing that would be more sensibly done as a set of logical subdomains of a given base domain, like "90210.zip.info" if you already own "zip.info", for instance. That way, you could create whichever numeric names you want/need, without having to maintain thousands of registrations or worry about cybersquatters creating gaps in your coverage.

Yes, I think I would agree with that as there is going to have to be substantial marketing to make it work!

The other problem it would get around would be the one in the UK, where they keep changing the "Zip". That could be a real problem!

Best Regards
Dave Wrixon

 

[Theo]

When I want to find a zip I Google it or go to USPS.com
The registration of thousands of zip code .com domains is pointless.

 

[ForumDomains]

This is the sort of thing that would be more sensibly done as a set of logical subdomains of a given base domain, like "90210.zip.info" if you already own "zip.info", for instance. That way, you could create whichever numeric names you want/need, without having to maintain thousands of registrations or worry about cybersquatters creating gaps in your coverage.

Excellent! You've hit the point!

 

[mole]

Marchex needs to forget this lame idea and go back to buying domains.

Ditto. Domain names are used to replace complex number strings, not bring them back.

This is the sort of thing that would be more sensibly done as a set of logical subdomains of a given base domain, like "90210.zip.info" if you already own "zip.info", for instance. That way, you could create whichever numeric names you want/need, without having to maintain thousands of registrations or worry about cybersquatters creating gaps in your coverage.

Shh, don't let the registrars here you say that :cheeky: