Network Solutions and CNET Announce Cross-Promotion Deal

Network Solutions Inc., the largest registrar of Internet domain names, and CNET Inc., a leading computer news and shopping website, have agreed to cross-promote each other's online services to consumers. Under the terms of the partnership, Network Solutions will promote CNET's services on its "dot com registry" of Internet domain names, while CNET will serve as a portal for customers to register domain names with Network Solutions.

This deal is significant as it reflects the growing importance of online services and the need for companies to collaborate in order to reach a wider audience. The partnership also highlights the increasing competition in the domain name registration market, with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) introducing competition into the arena.

Despite initial concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Network Solutions and CNET have assured that the deal is purely an advertising agreement and does not compromise the editorial integrity of CNET's coverage. The partnership is seen as a strategic move to increase revenue and expand their respective user bases.

Key Takeaways:

  • Network Solutions and CNET have agreed to cross-promote each other's online services to consumers.
  • The partnership involves Network Solutions promoting CNET's services on its "dot com registry" and CNET serving as a portal for customers to register domain names with Network Solutions.
  • The deal does not compromise CNET's editorial integrity, despite initial concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
  • Network Solutions recently obtained the nod from ICANN to remain the sole registry of names in the .com directory for the next several years.
  • The partnership is a strategic move to increase revenue and expand their respective user bases.
  • News of the deal elicited a mixed response on Wall Street, with Network Solutions' stock rising 3.5% and CNET's shares falling 9%.
  • The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has introduced competition into the domain name registration market.
  • Network Solutions and CNET intend to maintain a strong line between advertising and editorial content.

Statistics:

  • Network Solutions' stock rose 3.5% on the news of the deal.
  • CNET's shares fell 9% on the same day.
  • Network Solutions is the largest registrar of Internet domain names.
  • CNET is a leading computer news and shopping website.
  • ICANN has introduced competition into the domain name registration market.

Sources:

  • http://www.networksolutions.com
  • http://www.cnet.com
  • Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com