Blog Articles
Requiring registrants to show ID is a Bad Idea
We all want to be safe online. Whether we’re browsing and shopping, interacting with people on social media, or hosting our own content, there’s a shared need for security. As a domain name registrar, we think about this topic a lot. What processes and policies can we put in place to help protect our customers […]
Help your clients take their first step into Web3 with .locker
The Internet has been evolving in waves. First came Web1: static pages and limited interaction. Then, Web2 transformed the experience into today’s dynamic, user-driven web. Now, the next wave is taking shape: Web3, built on decentralization, transparency, and individual ownership. Web3 introduces new ways of managing identity, assets, and presence online—using blockchain to keep records […]
Your guide to Storefront’s low-cost, high-value TLDs by industry
Choosing the right domain name isn’t just a branding exercise—it’s a strategic move that shapes how a business is discovered, trusted, and remembered online. Industry-specific domain extensions help business owners send a clear message about what they do and who they serve, making it easier for audiences to find exactly what they’re looking for. And […]
What are the different TLS/SSL certificate types? A complete guide for agencies and MSPs
When you visit a website, one way to tell it’s secure is by checking for a TLS/SSL certificate. These certificates do two important things: they verify the website’s identity, and they encrypt any data exchanged between your browser and the site—both the information you send (like passwords or credit card numbers) and the information it […]
The top domain extensions people are registering—and why it matters for you
You’ve seen them everywhere— .com, .org, and .net. These domain extensions—also called top-level domains (TLDs)— are more than just web addresses; they’ve shaped how we navigate the Internet. Whether you’re naming your next project or advising clients, knowing which extensions dominate the web is a valuable edge. The most familiar TLDs While there are thousands […]
What is a reserved domain?
Did you know that even if you wanted to register example.com, you can’t? No one can. This isn’t a system bug—it’s the registry enforcing rules that intentionally block certain domains from being registered. These are called reserved domains. When you search for a domain, the registrar (e.g., OpenSRS) queries the registry (e.g., Verisign for .com) […]
ICANN83 policy recap
The ICANN83 meeting in Prague, Czechia, brought the Community together for four days of policy-focused sessions. Contrasted with other ICANN meetings, which include a Public Forum, Annual General Meeting for the Board, and other more business-oriented sessions, the Policy forum centers on current policy and implementation work, so it’s usually the most jam-packed for the […]
What is Whois?
“Whois” can be difficult to define as it is both a protocol and a broader system of services and databases that provide responses to queries about domain name registrations. By performing a Whois search for a domain, you can find its basic information, including when it was registered, which registrar it’s registered with, and often, […]
What is domain security—and why does it matter to your customers?
Your domain name is more than just a web address—it’s the digital front door to your business, a core component of your brand identity, and a channel through which customers connect with your products and services. As the Internet evolves, so do the threats that can compromise this vital asset. From phishing and cybersquatting to […]
Tiered Access update: Reviewing “urgent” requests and updated statistics
The lead-up to ICANN83, which will be held next week in Prague, feels much shorter than usual, as ICANN-accredited registrars and registries just held our Contracted Parties Summit in early May. This was a useful series of working sessions and discussions. Most focused around operational issues—especially addressing DNS Abuse—but another topic came up in conversations […]
What are gTLDs and ccTLDs?
Whether you’re launching a business, starting a blog, or kicking off a side project, your domain extension matters more than you think. In this article, we’ll break down what gTLDs and ccTLDs are, how they work, and which one might be the best fit for your needs. The basics of domain names Every website has […]
What is Premium DNS?
Our earlier guide explored DNS and why proper management is essential. Now, we’re taking it a step further by looking at Premium DNS. Premium DNS is a paid upgrade to basic DNS services that typically includes enhanced infrastructure, faster response times, and stronger security—though the exact features may vary by provider. When you visit a […]
Driving growth with service packages: a 2025 guide for agencies using OpenSRS
To successfully and sustainably scale your agency, you need to offer your clients real value while streamlining your process and defending against scope creep. One of the most effective ways to do this is by bundling services together in thoughtfully curated packages designed to meet the needs of your existing and target clients. When done […]
ICANN82 Recap
ICANN82 was hosted in Seattle, which is lovely in mid-March. The crisp Pacific Northwest coast offers beautiful views and Seattle has a whole “underground city”—it’s well worth a visit. ICANN’s new CEO Kurtis Lindqvist participated throughout the week-long meeting. With his technical background and pragmatic approach, Kurtis offers more than 30 years of experience (and […]
What are DNS management services?
Imagine trying to access a website, but instead of typing in an easy-to-remember domain name, like example.com, you had to enter a long series of numbers, like 198.51.100.45. Thanks to the Domain Name System (DNS), you don’t have to. DNS is the infrastructure that translates user-friendly domain names into numerical IP addresses that computers understand. […]
Tiered Access update: RDRS participation and updated statistics
Welcome to your regularly scheduled TACO stats blog! In the lead-up to ICANN82 in Seattle, we’re thinking about ICANN’s Registration Data Request Service (RDRS). Tucows has been a participant in the RDRS pilot project since its launch at the end of 2023, and we’ve written about it in past blogs. For those unfamiliar with the […]
What ICANN’s updated Registration Data Policy (RDP) means for OpenSRS resellers
ICANN has finalized changes to its Registration Data Policy, which sets data processing requirements for gTLDs. Domain registrars and registries are required to comply with the updated Policy by August 2025. Many of the new Registration Data Policy requirements are already in place at OpenSRS and other registrars: We redact registration data from the public […]
How to create a seamless customer experience when reselling domains
Creating a smooth, reliable, and on-brand customer experience is key when reselling domain names. Whether your core business is offering hosting, building websites, or managing digital marketing services, including an intuitive domain management experience can strengthen customer loyalty and generate recurring revenue. Understand your customers’ needs Digital service providers offer domain names because it makes […]
5 strategies to improve your agency’s profitability
Every marketing agency wants to maximize profitability. While the equation itself is pretty straightforward—revenue minus expenses equals total profits, real growth can be a big challenge, especially with increasing competition, operating costs, and fluctuating client demands. Rising to this challenge requires multiple strategic approaches to increase revenue while keeping costs in check. This means making […]
ICANN81 recap
ICANN81, hosted in Istanbul, Türkiye, brought us together both in person and virtually for a week of working meetings and presentations. Before we get into the specific policy work updates, we want to highlight two important discussions happening within the ICANN community right now. Perhaps closest to our cow-print hearts, ICANN Registrars and Registries (together, […]
