Ricky’s Online Business Blog

The word “domain name” got into headlines recently in Raja Petra’s court case.  So what is a domain name?

Simply put, a domain name is an easier-to-remember name for resources on the Internet, such as rickysoo.com and MyCompany.com.my.

Internally, every resource on the Internet is identified by a series of numbers called IP address, such as 202.188.10.99.  Now if you need to access a web site, instead of typing 202.188.10.99 into your browser, you are better off with an alphabetical domain name, such as http://www.rickysoo.com.

It’s like everyone of us having an identification number such as IC number (who doesn’t have?).  But instead of remembering your friends by numbers such as 760814-14-5617, it’s easier (and more humane) to call them by name such as Ricky.

Examples of domain name are such as YourCompany.com, YourCompany.net, YourCompany.org, YourCompany.com.my, YourCompany.my, YourCompany.sg, YourCompany.cn, YourCompany.biz, YourCompany.co.uk, YourCompany.us and so on.

You won’t need to get a domain name if you don’t plan to put up a service on the Internet.  But if you wish to put up a service, such as your own web site (eg. http://www.MyCompany.com), or having your own email address bearing your company name (eg. contact@MyCompany.com), you will need to own a domain name.

Certainly you don’t want your service to be remembered as a cryptic series of numbers, right?

PS: You can buy a domain name from domain name registrars and resellers such as me.

Last Saturday I got an escape to Africa with the likable Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippopotamus, Melman the Giraffe…

Thanks to Exabytes who treated business partners, suppliers and customers to watch Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa in Cathay Cineplex, free of charge!

As we could see, the cinema hall was packed with people.  As we walked around the cineplex and The Curve shopping mall nearby, many people were carrying the free bags given by Exabytes.

From a humble beginning of a few staff members just a few years ago, Exabytes have grown into the most successful, interesting, admirable, enviable and happening hosting provider in Malaysia!

Not to mention many awards they have  won over the years, including the prestigious Golden Bull Award given to the best SMEs in Malaysia, not one time, but two years in a row – last year and this year again!

Years ago I already thought of using their services, but was bogged down by my hesitation to switch provider.  I also considered their lack of their own data centre, and lack of 24-hour phone support as their down sides when compared to another I was using.

But as their boss Chan told me, even if they had the money for a data centre, why use it for a data centre while it could be used for other better purposes?

We know the web hosting industry in Malaysia is a typical red ocean.  But Exabytes seem to have adopted the four action framework (Eliminate, Reduce, Raise, Create) in the blue ocean strategy, among other things they have done.

Unlike some other providers, they eliminated the need for their own data centre.  They reduced their phone support to the minimum.  These two alone are very costly yet not very productive for a hosting provider.

But they raised the quality, variety and innovation of their products by catering to the niche markets such as students, bloggers and resellers.  And most importantly, (to the customers ) they created the FUN in hosting with them with their regular freebies, prizes, giveaways, PR events such as this movie day.  Hosting service is very much a functional product, but Exabytes are not just providing the functionality, but appealing to our emotions as well.  I believe they are also among the most interesting companies to work in!

The thrust of a blue ocean strategy lies in the value innovation, the innovation of values offered to customers yet at a lower cost.  They save much money and do away many headaches by eliminating and reducing unproductive things, but use it to raise and create something very interesting and impactful.  Money well spent!

So Exabytes, congratulations on your success.  I believe you will not sit on your laurels, but grow from strength to strength to become not just a good company but a great one!  Syabas!

Nearly two years ago, a customer in hosting services left me for another hosting provider because of cheaper price there.

But recently they have been having some service problems with that provider. They contacted me and migrated everything back to me.

When they left me, they took their one domain name away. But when they came back, their business has grown and now they returned with three domain names!

I’ve been wondering what problems they have been facing with that provider. If it was not because of those problems with the provider, I guess perhaps they would not switch provider again. I heard a businessman said that one business can beat another not because of its own strengths, but often because of the folly of the other.

But why did the customer return to me and not choose yet another provider? Perhaps this is due to the policy to continue serving customers even though they have left. Or perhaps they subscribed to my mailing list before and so have been hearing from me by email and know what my hosting services are up to.

So it’s good to bless (and never curse) customers even they leave us. Those who bless others will be blessed, perhaps even three times more