December 12, 2024
Meaningful Takeaways & Future Planning in the Domain Industry
This past month, we had the privilege of attending Domain Days Dubai and ICANN 81 in Istanbul. These two events provided unparalleled insights into the current state of the domain industry. More importantly, these gatherings reinforced the importance of face-to-face interactions in a digital-first world.
Based on different continents, we (Hakan and Robbie) rarely get to work side-by-side, given that our leadership is split across continents. Having the time to collaborate in person and engage with the incredible professionals in our field was energizing. It also cemented a few critical takeaways about where our industry is headed and how OpusDNS fits into that future.
Here are a few key insights we took away from the events:
1. The Domain Industry is Ready for Change
In nearly every conversation, one thing became clear: the domain industry is ready to take the next step. Is actively seeking ways to evolve.
The future lies in streamlined processes, intuitive platforms, and service models that genuinely address customer needs. Domain resellers are not just looking for reliable tools. They are looking for partners who empower them to work more efficiently and unlock new business opportunities. The industry is moving away from rigid structures, and more toward flexible solutions that can adapt to the market’s challenges and opportunities.
At OpusDNS, this vision is at the heart of what we do. With cutting-edge technology and a customer-first approach, we’re building a platform that doesn’t just challenge the status quo. We are building a platform that actively drives the industry forward. The conversations in Dubai and Istanbul made it clear: the market is ready for a wholesale registrar that not only meets today’s demands but also shapes the future of the domain industry.
We’re ready to make this vision a reality. The future of the domain industry starts now—and we’re leading the charge.
2. The Energy Around Our Team is Contagious
It’s one thing to talk about change, but real transformation happens when you have the right people driving it. The energy around the team that we are building at OpusDNS was a hot topic in nearly every meeting.
We’ve been fortunate to lock in some of the amazing talent in the industry. People who don’t just have the technical skills but also share our vision for what a domain wholesale provider should be.
The question we kept hearing was, “Who’s joining next?”
It’s no secret that assembling a world-class team takes effort, timing, and the right opportunities. But for us, it’s also about finding individuals who believe in the core values we stand for: integrity, passion, and purpose. As we continue to grow, our team will remain one of the most critical components of our success—and we’re just getting started.
3. The Domain Industry is Moving Toward Holistic Partnerships
An unexpected yet welcome trend we observed was the increasing emphasis on holistic partnerships.
In the past, the relationship between providers and resellers was largely transactional. However, many conversations at Domain Days Dubai and ICANN highlighted the growing need for more collaborative, relationship-driven approaches in the domain industry.
Resellers want more than just a registrar; they’re looking for a partner who can help them scale, innovate, and thrive. This aligns perfectly with what we’re building at OpusDNS. Creating a platform and service model designed not only to meet immediate needs but also to anticipate future challenges.
Whether it’s strategic guidance, targeted support, or simply being available at critical moments, our focus is on building partnerships that go beyond just domains.
4. CloudFest’s 2025’s Theme, The Human Edge, is Spot On
As we look ahead to 2025, the theme for Cloudfest—The Human Edge—feels incredibly timely and relevant.
We’re at a pivotal moment in technology. Cloud computing and AI have reached a point where machines are outperforming humans in countless tasks. This shift forces us to rethink our roles—not just as tech providers but as domain industry service leaders.
The future isn’t just about optimizing the tech stack; it’s about putting people at the center of the equation. This was echoed in many of the discussions we had at both Domain Days and ICANN. The companies that will thrive in the AI era are the ones that double down on service, empathy, and connection.
At OpusDNS, this is core to our approach. While we’re leveraging cutting-edge technology to build our platform, our ultimate goal is to enhance the human experience. Whether it’s through intuitive tools, unmatched customer support, or partnerships that empower our clients to succeed.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these past weeks, one thing is certain: the domain industry is ready for a transformation. The conversations we had at Domain Days Dubai and ICANN 81 have reinforced the importance of the work we’re doing at OpusDNS. These events also reminded us of the importance of human connection. As the industry embraces AI, it’s essential to remember that technology should empower people, not replace them.
We’ve seen firsthand that the market is not just looking for another provider; it’s looking for a partner who brings innovation, purpose, and trust to every interaction. At OpusDNS, we’re combining modern technology with a customer-first approach to create something that stands out in the domain industry.
We are building a new standard for what a domain wholesale provider can be. If you’re ready to be part of this journey—whether as a partner, reseller, or future team member—we want to hear from you. The future is bright, and we’re excited to shape it together.
Author: Hakan Ali & Robbie Birkner, CEOs OpusDNS
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