Business Support Internet

• What is a Virtual Web Site?
• Will I get my own Domain Name?
• What is the advantage to owning my own Domain?
• My domain name is taken. Now what?
• Is there a fee associated with registering a domain name?
• I want a .ca domain. What are the rules and restrictions?
• How do I find out if the Domain Name I want is available?
• Do I need to contact anyone else to register my Domain?
• Can the Domain Name I currently own be moved to Allstream?

What is a Virtual Web Site?

A virtual site is resident on a shared server, supporting more than one Internet domain names/web sites. This spreads the costs associated with Domain hosting across many organizations and thus, makes it possible for small businesses to compete effectively with large companies. The alternative to a virtual site is a dedicated server, which can be quite expensive and manpower intensive.

Will I get my own Domain Name?

A Domain Name is a name that is used on the Internet to identify you or your company on the Internet. Your domain name is unique among all other Internet domain names. There is only one "macdonalds.com" or "goodyear.ca", etc. and there is only one "yourcompany.com". When your name is gone ... it's gone.

Our Business Centre domain registration service will search for your suggested domain name and if available, automatically register it with the InterNIC or with CIRA.

What is the advantage to owning my own Domain?

The key word here is "owning." You will own the rights to your company's name (address) in cyberspace. This is similar to owning an 800 number that spells out your company's name. Also, your employees will can have an e-mail address that identifies them as members of your company. As an example:

you@yourcompany.com vs 3876d,qw4zm@billscybernetwork.net

Every week more than 10,000 names are registered with the InterNIC, the organization that registers all .COM names on the Internet. Each name is unique and can only be used by one person or company. Once taken those names are gone forever. Now is the best time to reserve your domain name and ensure that your business will have the domain name that is easy to find and remember. Your domain name is your corporate identity, "your business card" for the 21st century and beyond.

My domain name is taken. Now what?

As the popularity of the internet increases, getting the exact domain name that you had in mind is becoming increasingly difficult.

Let's use an example to present some alternative options. If your company name is Acme Canada Inc. and the name acme.com is taken, you can try different combinations of words. Keep in mind that you are allowed to use a dash (-) to separate words.

Here some alternative names:

• acmecanada.com
• acme-canada.com
• acmecan.com
• acme-can.com
• acmeinc.com
• acme-inc.com

If you are still unsuccessful you can try naming the domain after the product or service that you offer. Let's assume that Acme Canada Inc is in the business of supplying merchandise to cartoon characters. The following names may be appropriate.

• coyote-supplier.com
• stop-roadrunner.com

You can also try a .ca domain name. Please read the .ca RULES before attempting this.

The .ca domain naming scheme is very different from .com. The rules are very strict and some companies are FORCED to use a much longer name when choosing a .ca domain name. Once again, let's assume that Acme Canada Inc. is a retail store in Vancouver B.C. and is not federally registered. The CA domain committe will require that the proposed domain name end with ".vanouver.bc.ca".

Here are some allowable names:

• acme.vancouver.bc.ca
• acme-canada.vancouver.bc.ca
• acme-inc.vancouver.bc.ca
• stop-roadrunner.vancouver.bc.ca

In this case YOU CAN NOT USE the following:

• acme.ca
• acme.bc.ca
• acme-canada.ca

Please send us an e-mail at business@allstream.net for local level (acme.vancouver.bc.ca) domain name applications.

Please be aware that Allstream reserves the right to charge an additional setup fee for each domain name application that is rejected.

As of March 25 1997, 80% of all .ca applications entered via the Business Centre were rejected by the CA domain committee. Please ensure you fully understand the .ca guidelines prior to submitting your request.

If you need some help choosing a domain name, please send us an e-mail at business@allstream.net or call us at 1-877-288-7253.

The Network Solutions registration fee (.com, .net or .org) for a new domain name is US$70 (US$35 a year) . New domain names are valid for the first two years . This fee is non-refundable. You are responsible for paying this fee. Network Solutions will remove and reuse your domain name if the registration fee is not paid.

If you apply for a domain name ending in .ca, Allstream will forward your application to Easy DNS, a Cira Certified Registrar. Not everyone can get a .ca domain. You must comply with all the rules otherwise your application will be rejected. To view the rules, please click here .

It's simple, let us do it for you! To check a domain name, select the product you are interested in and we will check it for you instantly.

No...Allstream will register your requested Domain Name with CIRA or Network Solutions. We will forward all of the necessary information to either registering body immediately so that you have a better chance of securing the Domain Name you want.

Please note: Network Solutions charges US$70 for the first two years and US$35 annually thereafter. The Network Solutions fee is NOT included in your Allstream Web Hosting service. You will be billed directly by Network Solutions.

Absolutely. Simply send us an e-mail at business@allstream.net for complete information.