If you watched TV in the early 70s you’ll get the reference to this public service announcement related to keeping an eye on your children. If not, well, you’re probably so familiar with technology this isn’t of interest to you anyhow.

I have worked with many clients over the years that simply don’t know where their domain names are. Domain names, also known as URLs, are registered through a registrar (Network Solutions, GoDaddy, etc.). When an organization embarks on the development of a web site they sometimes delegate the registration of their URL to their web developer (typically not an employee/staff member). As management of your web site changes over time it is easy to lose track of who is minding your domain names. Where are they? Keeping and maintaining good records of where your organization’s domain name/URL is registered and when it is scheduled to renew is extremely important. It is also important to have ready access to the contact information of the company providing hosting for your web site.

A “paper trail” for digital assets
Keep a file or electronic document (on a server that is backed up regularly) with the following information.

Domain Name/URL:
Date Created:
Last Renewed:
Expires On:
Registrant:
Administrative Contact:
Technical Contact:
Billing Contact:
Hosting Company:
Contact Information:
Monthly/Yearly Fee:
Renewal Date: