Whenever I search for a particular domain name, I still cross my fingers hoping it is not already registered. If not, then I register it, whether it is for me or for my clients. If it is already registered, then several steps come into play, from monitoring the domain name for when (or more likely if) it becomes available to the search for alternative names. On occasion there is that certain domain name or names someone wants that is worthy of taking yet another step – trying to purchase it from the current registrar.

Salesforce.com, leader in hosted Web-based applications commonly referred to as “software as a service” did just that, and after a 4-year negotiation they acquired the domain name force.com for an undisclosed price. As Salesforce.com’s business has progressed and changed, the “sales” portion of the name is only a part of their overall offering. The name force.com was ideal, yet already owned by someone – Force Technology of California which was founded by Gordon Force. Not only was the company named “force” but so was the owner! Keeping those facts in mine doesn’t make it surprising it took the length of a presidential term to acquire it.

In an industry like the Internet where multiple seconds can be an eternity, such a wait could be considered not worth the effort. Many times, waiting that long is also not feasible, as the naming and branding of the business may not be able to wait. In such a case, business and life must go on and an alternate domain name or names must be selected. Continuing the pursuit of a domain name, however, is not out of the question.

“Everything is negotiable” is a phrase I remember from many of my college business courses. Though the length of those negotiations may go longer than one would hope, a successful outcome, as with Force.com, makes it all the more sweeter.

Comments

Yes, I agree that waiting for the right domain can be worthwhile. Unfortunately, sometimes you need deep pockets to get what you want. Remember Business.com? It went for over $1MM the first time it was sold.  I am sure that Salesforce.com paid a hefty fee for force.com. Regarding personal domains, I recommend that everyone owns a domain for your name. I was lucky enough to get my own domain in 1998.  With any business or blog, your domain should be unique and descriptive for what are doing. Many of the new dot coms these days have crazy sounding names. Some of them are memorable and some are just plain silly. Use your best judgement.

Comment by Jason Jacobsohn
on 11/05/07 at 10:01 PM
 

Hi Jason - Yes, silly is a good way to describe many of the names out there, but some can grow on you.  I remember Yahoo and Google giving me a laugh the first time I heard them!

mp

Comment by Mike Maddaloni
on 11/06/07 at 07:19 AM
 

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