Go Daddy has quickly become one of the largest domain registrars in the world. With a unique blend of offerings at rock bottom prices, it has attracted many customers. Go Daddy always seems to be defining new markets for domain registrars and their Domains by Proxy idea looks to be another step forward. Bob Parsons in the President of Go Daddy and the driving force behind the success.

DJ: What is the history behind Go Daddy?
BP: What is now Go Daddy initially began business about five years ago under the name Jomax Technologies. However, prior to launching our first software application, a Web site building tool, we decided that the name Jomax Technologies was too easily forgotten, so we decided to come up with something that would be both fun and easier to remember. Somehow we came up with the name Go Daddy. We chose Go Daddy mostly because both the trademark and the domain name were available. Beyond that the name has no special meaning.

Go Daddy became a registrar in November 2000, and brought its unique business philosophy - high customer service, competitive pricing, and straight forward products - to that market. Within less than a year, Go Daddy became cash flow positive and profitable. It also became the number one registrar in the world in terms of net new names.

Go Daddy continues with the same philosophy that earned it its number one spot, by continually developing and implementing new and better products and improved customer service. Go Daddy is owned 100% by Bob Parsons. There are no other investors and Go Daddy has no long term or bank debt.

DJ: What do you feel Go Daddy brings to the registrar table that is unique?
BP: It would be both our dedication to customer service coupled with very competitive pricing. Unlike many of our competitors, whose primary goal is to be profitable or to be acquired by another company, Go Daddy's primary goal is to provide its customers with the very best experience anywhere. We work to be better at that goal each and every day.

DJ: Previously you were a successful software author with titles such as Money Counts and Quick Verse Library. What happened to those titles and your software efforts?
BP: Those titles were sold to Intuit along with Parsons Technology in 1994. My software efforts continue here at Go Daddy. We own all of the technology we use for our domain registrar business and are also active in developing other products. We currently have three new software products under development.

DJ: What do you see as the "next big thing" in computing?
BP: I don't know. I wish I did.

DJ: Go Daddy's growth has been impressive. What are a few things you attribute this to?
BP: Our growth is attributable to our dedication to providing a good customer experience, including: high level service, competitive prices, and an attractive mix of products.

DJ: Go Daddy recently announced the creation of Domains By Proxy that will allow anonymous domain name registration. How do you think this will affect the registrar industry?
BP: I believe several other registrars will soon offer something similar. This will never be the dominant form of registration. Most registrants either prefer to make their information public or achieve privacy by entering false information in the registration process. However, there is a segment of the market, although a minority, that will prefer the private registration process.

DJ: What are the benefits in keeping consumer information private when they use Domains by Proxy?
BP: There are many benefits. Those who find privacy registration beneficial include:

Anyone tired of receiving spam, porn, scams, solicitations and other unwanted e-mail after registering a domain name.

Professionals whose home address is also their office address and don't relish the thought of that information being 'public.'

Individuals interested in creating a family Web site but who don't feel comfortable also sharing their address, phone number, and e-mail.

Victims of abuse, incest, or stalking who want to share their story via a Web site, but can't risk making their personal contact information available.

Individuals whose Web site involves a controversial topic.

DJ: Can you describe your current computer configuration? What are some of the fun things you enjoy doing with it?
BP: I use a Windows XP based Dell computer with dual flat screen monitors. I have one at my business office and one at my home office. I use these exclusively for business purposes, and for me that's fun.

DJ: With the proliferation of so many TLDs do you see a day when the .COM premium will cease to exist?
BP: I personally believe that .com will always be the predominant TLD. The only thing that could change this would be if the registry did something to make the domain unattractive (like significantly raising the price). I don't see this ever happening. As it was the first on the scene, it owns space in everyone's mindset and is, in itself, the Internet. For example, Go Daddy is often referred to by journalists and customers as a dot com. We are never referred to as a dot biz or a dot info. That said, I believe the other TLDs certainly have their place, but I don't see any of them preempting .com anytime soon.

DJ: What's a humorous registrar story you can share with us?
BP: I've thought about this for close to a half hour now and only can come up with one really funny one. However (and my apologies for this) it's X-rated to the point where I can't repeat it.

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