Solis Signs Exclusive Partnership With Tucows in Japan

(Japan Registry)

[bill]

article [news.corporate.findlaw.com]

Tucows provides wholesale domain name services for generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) -- and other Internet services -- to a distribution channel of more than 5,000 Internet service providers (ISPs), web hosting companies and other service providers worldwide. Solis operates the largest domain reseller network in Japan. Working together, both firms are confident that they will create a powerhouse in the world's second largest economy.

[kazonik]

Good on em'..
but it's old news

[bill]

but it's old news

We're not a news blog here...if you want breaking news try Google ;)

The Japanese domain name space is changing with the introduction of some well established foreign companies. I don't see many homegrown/Japanese companies doing too much in this sphere...

[kazonik]

>> We're not a news blog here...if you want breaking news try Google ;)

Thanks for reminding me :)

Solis although headed by foreigners, is 100% Japanese KK and IMHO they have the most kick-but domain reseller program around.

Still I could see an underdog sneaking up on the retail market by offering rock bottom pricing.

The trouble in Japan is that companies don't think domains are a profitable business. I hope they keep thinking that way!

[bill]

Solis is anything but a traditional Japanese KK. That's what makes this interesting. I'm wondering when the traditional Japanese companies are going to try and give them a run for their money. It doesn't look too possible in the near future with this deal.

[kazonik]

Possible? Yes. Likely? Not just yet.

But let's not forget that GoDaddy came from nowhere to being a major player in the domain market faster than you can spell KabushikiGaisha, competing against the really big boys.

There is always room for one more in the game if they're hugnry enough!

The domain market is far from wrapped up in Japan.

[bill]

I'm always puzzled why nobody here has really played the price card in the domain market. They seem to have a cartel keeping the prices maxed out to maintain their profitability. It's not surprising really as it's common in other industries here...but once the floodgates are open everyone will move to a new price point. It happened with ISPs and broadband, it will happen with domains as well. It looks like Japan Registry will be the one with the infrastructure who will be able to weather the storm.

[kazonik]

Your cartel theory may not be that far from the truth:) (head of the nail goes ouch!)

Still if half the companies in Japan were as agressive as Solis the Japanese economy would be huge.