In today’s digitally advanced world, domain names are the foundation of the online ecosystem. The .COM domain is one such domain name that has been a significant part of the internet landscape for decades now. But, what exactly is a .COM domain? Where did it originate from, and how did it become so ubiquitous? In this blog, we’ll dive into the history of the .COM domain and explore its impact on the internet and online businesses. So, if you’re curious about how this simple extension revolutionized the way we operate online, keep reading!

1. Introduction to the .COM Domain

The .COM domain has been a cornerstone of the internet since its inception in 1985. As a top-level domain (TLD), it is used to identify commercial entities and has become a ubiquitous part of internet culture. A domain name is the web address that connects a user to a specific website, and the .COM extension has become the most recognized and widely used domain name extension worldwide. This section of the blog will introduce readers to the .COM domain, its origins, and its meaning. It will also explore the interconnected history of the .COM domain with other TLDs and discuss its significance in internet branding. As the most common and versatile domain extension in use today, it is essential to understand how to use .COM domains to help visitors locate your website with ease.

2. The Origin and Meaning of the .COM Domain

The .COM domain has become a staple in modern internet culture, but few know its true origins and what it represents. The .COM domain’s name comes from the shortened form of the word “commercial,” but it wasn’t primarily created to represent commercial entities on the web. Its original purpose was to distinguish network addresses from email addresses, and it was one of the first top-level domains used by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). The domain extension gained popularity in the 1990s due to its association with commercial websites and has since become a vital component of internet branding. Understanding the origins and meaning of the .COM domain can help domain owners make more informed decisions in brand identity and online presence.

3. The First .COM Domain Registered

The first .com domain registered in history was by the Massachusetts-based computer company, Symbolics Inc. on March 15, 1985. This significant date marked the beginning of the Domain Name System (DNS) which is used today to navigate the internet. The .com domain was introduced as one of the first top-level domains (TLDs) when the DNS was first implemented for use on the internet in January, over 15 years earlier. The Symbolics registration acted as the inception of .com, which has gone on to become the most popular domain extension in the world, hosting websites for individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations alike. The .com domain’s significance in internet branding cannot be overstated, and as a result, it is the most common domain extension in use today.

4. Understanding Top-Level Domains and Second-Level Domains

Understanding Top-Level Domains (TLDs) and Second-Level Domains (SLDs) is vital to fully comprehend the intricacies of the .COM domain. As mentioned earlier, TLDs are the final section of a domain name, while SLDs are the domain level directly below a TLD. The significance of TLDs lies in their ability to represent the purpose, owner, or geographic origin ( Np domains ) of a website. On the other hand, SLDs are chosen by the domain owner and act as a unique identifier for their website. The .COM domain, being a TLD, has always been among the most popular choices for website owners due to its widespread recognition and ease of memorization. Accurate WHOIS history, which is the database that stores domain registration information, is crucial for .COM domain owners to protect their online identity. Being aware of previously-owned domains and their potential risks should also be considered while registering a .COM domain. Overall, comprehending the role of TLDs and SLDs is crucial for website owners to establish a strong online presence and branding strategy.

5. The Interconnected History of the .COM Domain

The history of the .com domain is interconnected with the development of the domain name system (DNS) and the growth of the internet. In the early days of the internet, there were only a few TLDs, including .com, .org, and .net. These were managed by a single organization until the mid-1990s, when the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was created to oversee the DNS. Since then, the number of TLDs has grown significantly, but .com remains the most popular and recognizable extension. Today, the .com domain is used by businesses and individuals all over the world, and its importance in internet branding cannot be overstated. While other TLDs may offer more specific branding opportunities, .com remains the go-to choice for many websites and companies.

6. The Importance of WHOIS History for .COM Domain Owners

As discussed in the previous sections, the .COM domain has a rich history and has been a significant part of the internet since its inception. For those who own a .COM domain, it is crucial to understand the significance of WHOIS history. WHOIS history provides a complete documented record of domain ownership, including the list of all past owners, their contact information, and associated IP addresses. This information is particularly useful in verifying website ownership history and protecting against potential fraudulent activity. Since the ownership of a previously-owned domain can impact its reputation and search engine ranking, thorough research of the WHOIS history is essential before acquiring a previously-owned domain. Moreover, domain registrants play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of WHOIS by providing accurate contact information. Therefore, WHOIS history is a critical tool for .COM domain owners to ensure the security and authenticity of their web presence.

7. The Potential Risks of Using a Previously-Owned .COM Domain

As discussed in the previous sections, the .COM domain has a rich history and is widely used for Internet branding. However, there are potential risks involved in using a previously-owned .COM domain. As the WHOIS history of the domain shows all historical records, it is important to do due diligence in researching the domain’s past use and ownership. Using a previously-owned domain could result in negative search engine rankings, legal issues, or even reputation damage if the domain was previously associated with spam or illegal activities. It is crucial to assess the potential risks before purchasing a previously-owned .COM domain and to consider starting with a new domain to avoid these potential pitfalls.

8. The Significance of the .COM Domain in Internet Branding

The .COM domain holds great significance for internet branding. As discussed earlier, a domain name serves as the identity of a website, and the .COM domain extension is considered the most common and popular among them. It has become synonymous with the internet, with businesses and organizations choosing a .COM domain to establish their online presence. This top-level domain has immense branding power, making it easy for visitors to recognize and remember your website. Choosing a .COM domain extension can also add credibility to a business, conveying a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism. The .COM domain’s popularity is reflected in the fact that more than 151 million .COM domain names have been registered to date. It has become a go-to extension for website owners, making it necessary for businesses to find and secure the right .COM domain name to ensure they stay ahead of their competition.

9. Why the .COM Domain Extension is the Most Common

There are a number of reasons why the .COM domain extension is the most commonly used TLD on the internet today. For one, it has been around since the very beginning of the internet, and as a result, many people are simply more accustomed to using it. Additionally, the .COM extension has been associated with commerce and business from the outset, making it a popular choice for companies looking to establish an online presence. The fact that it is so popular also means that many people assume that a website with a .COM domain extension is more authoritative or trustworthy. Finally, the sheer number of .COM domain names that have already been registered makes it more difficult for new TLDs to gain traction, meaning that the .COM extension is likely to remain the most popular for many years to come.

10. Verisign announces another .com price hike

According to factual data, the wholesale price for .com domains is set to increase from its current rate of 7% to base rate.Verisign will be authorized to raise their wholesale costs to registrars for .COM domains by 7% annually in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. After two years of not altering the price, Verisign is again allowed to boost the rate by 7% each year from 2026-2029, followed by another two year “freeze”.

This year marks the third and final price hike of the current contract term, and industry experts predict that .com prices will increase to $10.52 ( the pricing do not include ICANN Fee , or Registar Commission ) by the year 2024. As a result, website owners and domain investors will have to anticipate an additional cost for their online presence, which could impact their bottom line. Verisign, the registry operator for .com domains, is expected to continue to fulfill its contractual obligations while seeking to maximize profits within the given constraints.