Munir Badr About the Secrets of the Web3 Domain Industry
In a recent livestream interview hosted by Freename, Munir Badr, the visionary mind behind AEserver.com and the mastermind of the Domain Days Dubai, shared his journey into the domains and hosting industry. Joining him in this insightful conversation was Page Howe, an experienced domain investor, and Freename’s precious advisor.
Munir’s Journey into the Domain World
Munir’s journey began with curiosity and a fascination for web technologies. He started exploring the internet, web development, and domain names in the early 2000s. Back then, the idea of owning a unique address on the internet was a novel concept. Munir’s curiosity led him to register his first domain name, AE server.com, in June 2005. This marked the beginning of his foray into the domain and hosting business.
Page Howe’s Path to Domain Investing
Page Howe’s entry into domain investing was similar. He worked for a family office with various portfolio companies and realized the importance of domain names in the evolving digital landscape. He saw the potential in acquiring valuable domain names for these companies. Page’s journey mirrored Munir’s in its curiosity-driven exploration of the domain industry.
The Birth of Domain Days Dubai
Domain Days Dubai, the first conference in the MENA region related to domains, hosting, cloud security, and SaaS, is a testament to the dynamic nature of the domain industry. The name itself reflects a global vision despite its Dubai roots. Munir explained that the intention was to start locally and expand globally, with the “Dubai edition” serving as the inaugural event. The success of this event has inspired plans for expansion into other regions.
The Impact of Community and Collaboration
Munir highlighted the significance of the domain community and events such as the Middle East DNS Forum. These gatherings facilitated knowledge sharing and networking, ultimately leading to developing domain industries in various countries. Dubai’s success became a benchmark for other cities in the region, demonstrating the potential of thriving local markets in the domain industry.
The Evolving Domains and Hosting Industry
Both Munir and Page acknowledged that the domain industry is not static. New opportunities arise from emerging trends and changing dynamics. Page mentioned the importance of keeping an eye on areas experiencing rapid growth, such as the Middle East and North Africa. The rise of NEOM, a new city in Saudi Arabia, led to a surge in domain registrations related to the project, demonstrating the potential for domain investors to adapt to evolving landscapes.
The Impact of Remote Work on the Domain Business
COVID-19 brought about a significant shift in the way businesses operate. Munir discussed how the pandemic accelerated the digitalization of processes and services, with governments and organizations transitioning to online platforms. In the UAE, the shift towards digitalization was already underway, but COVID-19 expedited the process. Meetings and transactions that once required in-person interaction became commonplace online, reducing the need for face-to-face meetings.
The Power of Web 3.0: Opportunities Abound
The conversation then shifted to the potential impact of Web 3.0 on the tech industry. Munir and his co-host, Page, discussed how Web 3.0 offers a world of opportunities. Munir aptly pointed out that Web 3.0 is like the “Wild, Wild West” of the internet, presenting limitless possibilities for developers, designers, and all those involved in the IT field.
Web 3.0 isn’t limited to domain names; it extends to everything related to information technology. This means new namespaces, extensions, tools, applications, and communication methods. The possibilities are endless, making it an exciting time for tech enthusiasts to explore this uncharted territory.
The Truth About Domain Ownership
One intriguing point of discussion was the misconception surrounding domain ownership. Munir revealed a common misunderstanding – believing that once you buy a domain, it’s yours forever. He clarified that domain ownership is more of a lease, with renewal fees required to maintain it. This fact holds true for Web 2.0 domains. However, Web 3.0 introduces a novel approach, eliminating the need for renewal fees. That means when someone purchases and owns a Web 3.0 domain, they pay once, and it is theirs, forever.
Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 Coexistence
A viewer inquired about the coexistence of Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 domains. The speakers emphasized that Web 3.0 domains do not disrupt the internet but instead complement it. The hybrid model of Web 3.0 ensures that the transition is smooth, offering safeguards and flexibility.
The coexistence of these two worlds presents exciting opportunities for domain investors and entrepreneurs, allowing them to explore new avenues while also enriching their understanding of domain value.
Freename: A Shining Example of Web 3.0
Munir praised Freename, a company actively involved in the Web 3.0 space, for its remarkable achievements. He acknowledged their recent funding, which made headlines in the industry, and indicated that Freename is just one of many companies venturing into this domain.
Their success is also an indicator of the potential of Web 3.0 and its capacity to redefine how we interact with technology. As Munir noted, Freename’s accomplishments serve as a beacon, illuminating the path for other innovators in this exciting field.
