Nominet integration

[annomander]

Hi, I'm looking at moving to WHMCS.

 

Originally I was looking at selling domain names by using ENOM

but as I'm from the UK I was looking at becoming a Nominet member but I have a few questions on this.

 

Enom has a API so that once integrated, I imagine that you can control much of your domain from within WHMCS

 

But as the domain controls of a Nominet member is much more basic what controls do you get over your domain?

 

If Nominet is your registar can you alter

 

Nameservers

DNS settings

etc

 

 

Cheers

 

Oh, how exactly is Nominet integrated do they give a hash key or something to place in and can you sell .com or just .co.uk?

[fluffels]

But as the domain controls of a Nominet member is much more basic what controls do you get over your domain?

 

Oh, how exactly is Nominet integrated do they give a hash key or something to place in and can you sell .com or just .co.uk?

 

Any changes made to Nominet domains require an email sent to them. I worked on a CMS for a large UK based registrar, and it was so silly. We bascially ended up making a form which looked the same as the one for gTLDs (.com etc), but just collected, formatted the data correctly, and emailed them the info.

 

They've always been quick at updating, but I'm pretty sure it's still like this.

 

In terms of gTLDs, no. Nominet is UK domains only. If you want one that does everything stay with someone like eNom.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong

[andymoo]

Nope, you're spot on, they don't do .com or anything other than *.uk - Still if you want to do .uk names and deal direct at source with the naming authority that handles them Nominet is the way to go.

 

They still have the PGP signed emails thing going on which WHMCS does support but they've also launched a XML / SOAP callback version, the EPP, which WHMCS doesn't support yet but I think the guys are working on it.

 

As for integrating, first you have to apply for membership, then apply for tag holder status with credit account too, then you sit a small exam with 21 questions, once you pass that they take it to the next step which is sorting out the PGP keys and fingerprints so the back end stuff can happen.

 

There's also the issue of sending them over some wonga

 

http://www.nominet.org.uk/governance/members/

http://www.nominet.org.uk/registrars/

http://www.nominet.org.uk/registrars/systems/auto/pgp/

http://www.nominet.org.uk/registrars/systems/epp/

 

I've only been a Nominet member a week so can't speak with the same degree of authority on the subject as Othellotech, they're the definitive source of Nominet related wisdom here.

[hobbit666]

I've looked a nominet before and thought about becomming a tag holder/member but i find it so confusing on what it will cost me. Am i getting it right?

 

Become a member = £400 set-up then £100 per year.

 

Then this is where i'm confused how much does it cost me to register a domain for my client (a co.uk) as from what i read it goes up to £80 (if not a member) but yet i can buy a domain for £7 for 2 years.

 

What am i missing

[arhost]

If you've become Nominet member, the domain name registration/renewal would be £5.00 GBP.

[andymoo]

Membership has a one off set up fee of £400 + VAT

 

There's also the annual membership fee of £100 + VAT

 

You need to pay both when you start.

 

If you register now they'll only charge you £50 + VAT as the membership fee is renewed each year in August (I think it's August).

 

I paid out £528.75 in total this week for the set up and membership till August including VAT.

 

As for pricing, members get domains for £5.00 +VAT = £5.87 inclusive for two years. Non-members pay £80 +VAT

 

Their support is good too. I don't even mind being on hold to them as they play the Rolling Stones, Gimmi Shelter which is a banging tune.

 

[hobbit666]

that's a bit clearer.

 

Just wished 123-reg would make a api. I don't register enough domain to become a member.

[annomander]

Hi thanks for the replys, the cost is lot, but it adds a air of professionalism and that you're not small time

 

The real problem for me is the:

 

They still have the PGP signed emails thing going on which WHMCS does support but they've also launched a XML / SOAP callback version, the EPP, which WHMCS doesn't support yet but I think the guys are working on it.

 

If they are not set up to handle real time alterations and appear that they have a control panel within WHM, it might be preferable to stick for Enom for the time being (or Directi but I don't have as much knowledge of that register)

[othellotech]

But as the domain controls of a Nominet member is much more basic what controls do you get over your domain?

Register, Renew, Update Nameservers.

 

 

If Nominet is your registar can you alter

DNS settings

etc

Nominet provide the domain registrations for .uk only, no "services" like DNS etc

[isdoo]

One of the benefits is having your own IPSTAG - it looks far better than asking folk who are moving UK domains to you to quote your own tag rather than Enom or 123reg etc.

 

Don't forget under Customs and Excise rules you must charge VAT on all UK domains irrespective of where the user is (assuming you are registered for VAT) - so whilst Nominet will always charge you VAT, you can pass it on to your clients.

 

I do not think WHMCS is set up however for charging VAT to customers from outside the EU for .uk domains - not sure how others get around this.

 

(this was the rules that Nominet have to follow - i.e. someone buying direct from Nominet from the USA still have to pay VAT - I guess this is built into Enom's prices)

 

Now if Enom or another reseller offered the use of alternative IPSTAG's then your use of these services would be 'hidden'.

[othellotech]

Now if Enom or another reseller offered the use of alternative IPSTAG's then your use of these services would be 'hidden'.

 

Its coming

[annomander]

Its coming

 

You're kidding!! That be great!

 

do you have any info on how long this will be

[annomander]

I asked Enom about your above statement

 

the reply

 

 

The .uk registry Nominet have recently introduced an EPP system, which is already used by a number of other registries such as Verisign. It looks probable that we are going to switch over to this sytem for .uk, which would potentially mean an EPP key system for .uk domains rather than the present tag system. I am unable to confirm that this is definitely happening or when it will be, but I would advise you to keep looking at our website for the latest updates on this.