Domain name market predicted to grow

The global domain name industry will grow to be worth about $5.3 billion (£3.7 billion) by 2011, according to a new forecast from MAP Research.

This is compared with a value of $3.6 billion at the end of 2008, the company explained.

While the domain name sector will see slower growth in the next few years than experienced recently, it will benefit from trends such as higher demand for domain parking, the expansion of the mobile web and the new IPv6 platform.

The number of registered domains will rise 20.8 per cent from 185 million in 2008 to 297 million in 2011, according to MAP Research, while demand for domain names is set to see particular growth in the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations and Eastern Europe.

IT consultant Chad Perrin recently wrote in a TechRepublic column that those looking for a new domain name consultancy or registrar should make sure that the company in question is chosen for its good reputation rather than for its popularity.

Written by Debra Hastings-Henry