Part of what has pushed the domain industry to new levels is a drastic increase in the number of small businesses owning websites. With the majority of people in developed nations online, businesses have finally realized the value of the web.

There are still quite a few firms stuck in the stone age, however. According to a recent study, 40% of small businesses have no online presence. At the same time, 80% of the companies surveyed with websites said the Internet was vital to their success.

Over the next decade, most of these businesses will not doubt go online, a sure sign that the domain industry will continue to grow. As more and more companies fight over fewer and fewer premium names, domain values are likely to skyrocket even further. They will also need web hosting, ensuring the future growth of that sector as well.

Continue reading: 40% of small businesses have no website

This week has been a busy one for domain auctions. A number of big sales have taken place. Hardware.de, a name that could be used for both home improvement and computer parts, sold for £91,600 ($150,000 USD).

Meanwhile, motivational product company Ego Friendly, LLC picked up eGo.com for £45,804 ($75,000 USD). Bling-bling.com, blingbling.co.uk, and blingbling.com also sold together in a package for £36,643 ($60,000 USD).

The sale of Hardware.de for such a high price shows the value of ccTLDs. Country domain extensions have been largely ignored by domainers for most of their history, but with .com becoming crowded, they are finally getting the respect they deserve.

To get an idea of just how valuable ccTLDs are becoming, Hardware.se only sold for $8,027 USD in 2005. Just last year, Hardware.biz sold for $590 USD. Perhaps the buyer of Hardware.de overpaid, but there’s no denying that country-code extensions are gaining more prominence in the domain industry.

Source | Domain Name Wire

Continue reading: Hardware.de sells for £91,600, eGo.com for £45,804