In this insightful edition of the CentralNic Reseller Q&A, Oliver Fries, Head of Engineering, shares his perspectives on what makes CentralNic Reseller unique in the competitive domain reselling industry. He offers an insider’s view of the current trends, challenges, and projects that define the company’s innovation and dedication to providing cutting-edge services.
According to Fries, CentralNic Reseller stands out due to its extensive global reach and focus on local markets. The combination of a comprehensive product portfolio, advanced technical infrastructure, and exceptional customer support enables the company to meet a variety of customer needs. This tailored approach, combined with a broad selection of services, ensures that CentralNic Reseller remains a leader in the domain industry.
When asked about industry trends, Fries points to the ongoing consolidation of companies as particularly noteworthy. Large companies are acquiring smaller registrars and service providers, reshaping the industry in significant ways. While this trend brings enhanced services and global reach, it also raises concerns about reduced competition, which could impact pricing and consumer choice. Fries highlights the need to monitor this development closely as the market evolves.
Fries also discusses a little-known aspect of the domain industry: “Expiry Auctions.” This process involves auctioning domain names that are nearing or have recently passed their expiration, giving potential buyers a chance to acquire these domains before they are released back into the general pool. It is an interesting opportunity for those looking to invest in premium domains before they are available to the broader public.
One project Fries takes pride in is the recent move of CentralNic Reseller’s data centre from St. Ingbert to Frankfurt, alongside the launch of a new JSON/REST API for customers. This API provides fraud detection services and introduces a new Payment Orchestration service. On the product side, the Expiry Auction service has been expanded to support 50 Top-Level Domains (TLDs), along with a partnership with WHMCS aimed at improving API automation for a smoother customer experience.
In terms of challenges, Fries identifies intense competition as a significant hurdle for domain resellers today. Competing with both other resellers and large, established registrars makes it difficult to stand out. The increasing complexity of managing domain portfolios and related services further adds to this challenge. CentralNic Reseller helps its partners overcome these obstacles by offering value-added services, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service, allowing resellers to focus on growth rather than operational difficulties.
Fries also touches on the skills needed for success in the domain reselling industry. Understanding the market and staying up to date with trends is essential. In addition, utilising advanced technology, providing exceptional customer service, and building strong relationships are critical traits for thriving in such a fast-paced and competitive environment.
In his personal time, Fries enjoys staying informed through well-regarded resources like Domain Incite and Domain Name Wire, which offer valuable insights into the latest trends, investment opportunities, and strategies in the domain space.
While he doesn’t have a particular favourite domain name, Fries expresses a preference for short, memorable, and descriptive names. When imagining a mascot for CentralNic Reseller, he suggests a wise and tech-savvy owl named “Cenri.” The owl would symbolise wisdom, knowledge, and a global outlook, all key qualities that define the company.
This Q&A with Oliver Fries sheds light on the unique strengths of CentralNic Reseller and provides valuable insights into the strategies that have positioned the company as a leader in the domain industry. With its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, CentralNic Reseller continues to empower its partners to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
Team Internet plc (LON:TIG) – formerly CentralNic – is a global internet solutions group headquartered in London. Leveraging world-class technologies and industry leading teams, they have been transforming the way organisations, brands, publishers and consumers connect and thrive online.
