EU Domains

u own a website and are located anywhere incurrent registration trends continue, this could very
Europe, especially the U.K., you’re probablywell occur.
well aware of all the attention surrounding the EuridDiscount Domains, a company specializing in website
offering of .eu domains to the public..Eu domains havedesign and web hosting, offers .eu domains to the
been long awaited and their popularity is expected topublic at an affordable price. They hope to soon
be similar to .com domains. These domains werebecome an accredited registrar with Eurid in order to
originally only available in what was known as theprovide additional high quality service to the public.
Sunrise 1 and Sunrise 2 stages. Sunrise 1, the first ofCustomers can purchase top level domain names
the three stages, began on December 7, 2005. Tofrom Discount Domains for their business or
be considered for a .eu domain, applicants chose aorganization. The only requirement is that domain
domain name had to be related to a registerednames must be registered for a minimum period of
trademark. This policy greatly restricted the numbertwo years. The company also offers a wide range of
of applicants that could apply for a domain. Theservices including domain transfers, web hosting,
Sunrise 2 stage was offered on February 7, 2006marketing expertise, and search engine submissions.
and allowed applicants to reserve domains related toDiscount Domains offers many options for customers
both unregistered trademarks and company names.wishing to register a .eu domain.
The purpose of the Sunrise phases was to allow wellWhen choosing .eu domains for your business, there
established companies the first rights to their desiredare some important points to remember. As with any
domain names. As with other types of domains,type of domain name, it is a good idea to choose a
many times people will purchase a number of domain.eu domain that is the same or very similar to your
names hoping to resell them at an elevated cost.business or website name. This will make it much
Unfortunately, some individuals have even tried usingeasier for customers and clients to remember. Even
domain names that are similar to well knownif they forget your website address, by running a
companies hoping to gain exposure for their productsearch on your company name, they can quickly
or business.locate your domain name and link to your site. Using
The last stage known as theyour business name within you domain name is a
“Landrush” became available on Aprilvaluable resource for search engine purposes.
7, 2006. This final stage allows much greater flexibilityIf your requested domain name is not available, the
for persons wishing to register a .eu domain. Basicallyprovider may suggest similar domain names to the
anyone who resides in the European Union or whoone you suggested. Be careful when considering this
has a business located there can qualify for a .euoption. First of all you will need to make sure that
domain. Much like other domain extensions, .euyour domain name is not easily confused with other
domains are now being assigned on a first comesimilar names. When marketing your site, be sure to
basis. This has caused many companies anduse the entire .eu domain name. This will help to
businesses to scramble in an effort to acquire theiralleviate any misunderstanding or confusion. Lastly, it
desired domain name. If a domain name under theis much easier to purchase your domain name first
.com extension is not available, a similar domain endingbefore designing a new business or choosing a
in the .eu extension may be available instead.company name. Trying to come up with a domain
After the opening of the Landrush stage, the sale ofname for a well established company can sometimes
.eu domains has skyrocketed. To date there are wellbe a headache. Often times the desired domain name
over 1.7 million registered domain names and themay already be taken. If you plan on establishing a
numbers are expected to keep growing. Manynew website or opening a business in the near
experts believe .eu domains will some day comefuture, you can greatly benefit by choosing your .eu
close to the number of registered .com sites. Ifdomains ahead of time.