A Brief History

As the world went online, domain name systems emerged as the directory of the internet, with .com taking an early lead. Tracing the history of .com means venturing into the evolution of modern internet. When Symbolics, Inc. registered the first .com domain on March 15, 1985, it marked the beginning of a new digital era. As time went on, the need for more specific domain extensions became apparent and let to ICANN’s gTLD program.

ICANN's New gTLD Program, launched with the objective to expand the domain name system landscape, began its initial application round on January 12, 2012, and concluded on April 20, 2012, allowing prospective registry operators to apply for the management of new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs) through the TLD Application System (TAS). However, a technical glitch caused a temporary shutdown of the TAS system, extending the application deadline to April 20. Post closure, it was revealed that 1,268 entities had applied, and on the "Reveal Day" (June 13, 2012), a total of 1,930 applications were announced, including 84 community applications and 116 for Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). Among these, 230 applications were identified as contending for the same string, showcasing the potential to introduce up to 1,409 new TLDs.

The .storage TLD emerged from this program, with Self Storage Company LLC securing the rights to it in a private auction. This program by ICANN marked a significant milestone, diversifying the domain landscape, promoting competition, and providing a more descriptive domain name choice like .storage, catering specifically to the storage industry and others, thereby pushing the boundaries of digital innovation and consumer choice.

Emergence of .storage TLD

.storage emerged from ICANN's New gTLD Program, with two initial applicants, Donuts and Self Storage Company LLC, vying for the rights to the string. However, Self Storage Company LLC triumphed in a private auction held by Innovative Auctions in August 2013, securing the rights to .storage. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, the auction was part of a larger event with cumulative value at $9.65 million.

The Address for Storage: Digital to Physical

The world thrives on storage, be it for construction equipment, prepackaged foods, or digital files. The .storage domain extension caters to this essential need, providing a distinctive digital address for businesses, trade associations, and groups involved in the storage industry. This domain is not just a web address but a statement about the entity’s focus and services, an ideal fit for those in the burgeoning storage business, especially in cloud storage and renewable energy storage.

Advantages of .storage Domain

• Specificity: .storage domain immediately communicates the nature of the business, a boon for those in the storage industry.

• Availability: Being a relatively new and specific domain, there’s a higher chance of obtaining the desired web address.

• Qualified Web Visitors: It aids in attracting a targeted audience, ensuring that the visitors are interested in storage solutions.

• Brevity: Companies with 'storage' in their name can now have a shorter and more intuitive web address, with 'storage' appearing after the dot.

Competitive Analysis: .storage TLD Versus Other Similar TLDs

The .storage Top-Level Domain (TLD) provides a distinct niche in the domain landscape, catering specifically to businesses, organizations, or individuals involved in the storage industry. Here’s a comparative analysis of .storage with other similar TLDs:

.storage vs .cloud

• Specificity: .storage is more specific to physical storage solutions or data storage, while .cloud is often associated with cloud computing or online storage services.

• Industry Recognition: .cloud may have a broader recognition due to the widespread use of cloud services, but .storage provides a more direct reference to storage-centric businesses.

.storage vs .data

• Target Audience: .storage appeals to a broader audience encompassing both physical and data storage, while .data is more suitable for data-centric businesses or data analysts.

• Versatility: .storage offers a wider scope of application compared to .data, making it a versatile choice for different storage-related ventures.

.storage vs .space

• Descriptiveness: .storage is more descriptive and self-explanatory when it comes to indicating the nature of the business, whereas .space is quite generic and can refer to any space, not necessarily storage.

.storage vs .info

• Clarity: .storage provides a clear indication of the industry, while .info is generic and doesn’t provide direct insights into the business nature.

• Search Relevance: Potential customers searching for storage solutions are likely to find .storage domains more relevant, which could lead to better search engine rankings and traffic.

.storage vs .net

• Industry Alignment: .net is traditionally associated with network or technology-related entities, while .storage aligns well with storage-related businesses.

• Memorability: .storage may provide a more memorable and intuitive domain choice for those specifically looking for storage solutions.

Trust Factor: .storage vs. .com and Other TLDs

The trustworthiness of a domain can significantly impact a user's decision to engage with a website. Here’s how .storage stacks up against .com and other TLDs in terms of trust:

Familiarity and Tradition

• .com: Being one of the earliest and most common TLDs, .com has a longstanding tradition of trust and recognition among internet users. People are accustomed to .com domains, which can naturally engender a sense of trust.

• .storage : Being relatively new, .storage and other similar TLDs might not have the same level of user familiarity, which may initially impact the perceived trustworthiness.

Relevance and Descriptiveness

• .storage: This TLD is highly descriptive and relevant for storage-related businesses. The self-explanatory nature of .storage can build trust among users seeking storage solutions as it immediately communicates the website's focus.

• Other Generic TLDs (gTLDs): Domains like .net, .info, or .org may not provide the same level of descriptiveness, potentially requiring extra effort to establish trust and relevance in the storage industry.

Professionalism

• .com and .storage: Both .com and .storage can project a level of professionalism if the website is well-designed, secure, and provides valuable content. However, .com might have a slight edge due to its established reputation.

• Other new TLDs: The perceived professionalism of other new TLDs can vary widely based on user familiarity and the website's content quality.

SEO and Online Visibility

• Search engines treat all TLDs equally in terms of rankings. However, a .storage domain with relevant and quality content can potentially rank well for storage-related queries, which in turn, can contribute to building trust as users often trust websites that appear on the first page of search results.

Adoption by Reputable Entities

• The trust factor of .storage and other new TLDs can significantly increase as more reputable businesses and organizations adopt these domains and showcase them in a professional manner.

In summary, while .com continues to enjoy a high level of trust due to its longevity and widespread use, .storage provides a unique opportunity for storage-related businesses to build trust through relevance and descriptiveness. Over time, as more users become familiar with and see reputable entities using .storage and other new TLDs, the trust factor associated with these domains is likely to grow.

FAQ

How much does it cost to register a .storage domain?

It costs $529.99/yr for .storage domain on 3DNS! While considerably more expensive than other TLD’s, our pricing is more competitive that alternative platforms, like GoDaddy, which charges $899.99/yr.

Is .storage Good for SEO?

Like other domain extensions, the SEO impact of a .storage domain primarily depends on the quality, relevance, and user-friendliness of the website content.

Who Can Register a .storage domain?

The .storage domain is open for registration to anyone interested, adhering to the open TLD policy without pre-registration verification.

Will People Know and Trust the .storage Domain Extension?

The intuitive and descriptive nature of the .storage extension lends itself to easy recognition and understanding, potentially fostering trust among internet users seeking advice and insights.

ICANN Registry Agreement for .storage

The establishment and operation of the .storage domain are governed by a Registry Agreement between the designated registry operator and ICANN. This agreement sets forth the terms and conditions for managing the .storage domain namespace, ensuring that it adheres to the stipulated standards for the benefit of registrants and the broader internet community.

You can explore the details of the Registry Agreement for .storage on the ICANN website.

Should I Get a .storage domain?

The .storage domain is more than just a trend; it’s a reflection of the modern-day needs. As the storage market continues to grow, be it digital or physical, having a .storage domain allows businesses to carve a niche, stand out, and resonate with their target audience in a crowded digital landscape. The .storage domain, much like .com, is not just a domain; it’s a narrative, a clear indication of the business it represents, and a smart choice for those within the storage industry.