Here we go again. Something new comes along, and the very first question to be answered is WIIFM (what’s in it for me)?
Since .tel looks like "just another domain name", it might help to know just why this one is so different from all the rest.
Do you know what actually happens when you put an ordinary domain name into a browser? Here’s my simple version of how that works.
ALL other Top Level Domains (TLDs) – like .com, .org, .mobi, .net - map domain names to website addresses.
- From www.myname.com, for example, my browser makes a query from the DNS (Domain Name System).
- The DNS replies with the IP address for my site.
- The browser then looks up that IP address to find the website and all its content.
Content is bulky, content takes up storage space and large amounts of content can slow things down because it takes longer to move it around. On a mobile device, this can be a big deal.
.tel is NOT about content; it simply doesn’t work that way at all. .tel maps domain names to contact information and keywords stored directly in the DNS. It works like this:
- when you put a .tel domain into your browser (bonniesainsbury.tel, for example), it queries the DNS.
- The DNS returns the contact information and keywords that Bonnie chose to store in the DNS.
- You can then click on one of her contacts, and be connected directly.
No IP address to locate and source, no bulky content to move and search – it’s just as simple as that. You can access any contact point – phone, email, blog, twitter, etc. – directly….and it’s fast! You are, in effect, just one click away.
On any mobile device, that IS a big deal. Are you getting excited now? Let’s look at a few other things you might like to know that make .tel important:
1. no website required – ALL the contact information and keywords you want are stored directly in the DNS.
2. costs less – a .tel does not need a programmer or designer, and there is no hosting fee.
3. easy to set up and to update – you can set up your account and fill in the information yourself. I did it by watching the intro video….truly, it’s that straightforward….and you can make changes at any time. It’s better than a forwarding address, and it’s always up-to-date.
4. fast to access – see explanation above. Like i said, "just one click away"!
5. ideal for mobile devices – fast, speedy, efficient, and easy on your plan, too.
6. global – you are now accessible anywhere on the planet, and part of an online directory that will put those other lists and pages to shame. There are even SEO advantages to having a .tel.
7. you can choose to be private – you can make aspects of your contact information private and password-protected, for family and close friends, for example.
8. to get a .tel of your very own – visit duetmedia.tel, and click on the ‘reseller’ link (it’s at the top).
Have fun! Visit the Vancouver dotTel Meetup Group, on www.meetup.com and watch for news and upcoming events.