I’ve been working with a company doing some technology consulting, and project managment. The basic jist of the work has revolved around transitioning the company through a staff change, multiple dns and registrar changes, and more. Through the project the company and I have come to learn an interesting lesson. Despite the domain names being registered in the name of the company, a corporation in this instance, the primary contact for each domain name has near complete control over the domain.
In this instance and I’m sure many across the nation, the individual tasked with the website management and technology matters of the company registered the domains (in excess of a dozen unique names). At the time of registration, the corporation was listed as the account holder, and the IT individual as the primary contact. No big deal right? Fast forward several years. The IT guy is no longer with the company, and the company desires to change their website settings. Not so fast. The primary contact holds all the power over the website, and in fact is given notice if the account holder attempts to make a change. Yes, you read that correct. If you as the account holder desire to make any changes, they must first be approved by the primary account holder who may not even work for your company any longer, or worse may have been terminated. In both instances, this person now holds your complete online presence hostage.
While the lesson is simple, the implications are huge. If you have a website or domain name, or several, check to make sure that the correct individuals hold the title of primary contact. In the case of a small corporation, I’d recommend the owner of the company. Yes, even if he/she does not have the knowledge to administer the website, assign him/her as the primary contact. Then assign lesser account contacts such as administrative and techicial contacts. Doing this will assure you that when the time comes to make a change within your company’s technology plans, you’ll have the full access to be able to make those changes without having to engage the services of a former employee.