Reglikedomain industry desk

Key-Systems CEO discusses Moniker and SnapNames buyout

No dramatic changes on tap but more ccTLDs and other improvements on the way.

KeyDrive’s buyout of Moniker and SnapNames the prior week has shaken up the domain name investor ecosystem.

I just talked to Key-Systems CEO Alexander Siffrin to better understand what this means for clients. (KeyDrive includes Key-Systems Group and NameDrive Group, as well as the recently purchased firms.)

If you’re worried regarding dramatic changes to how you do business with Moniker and SnapNames, it sounds like you ought to relax: Siffrin states you shouldn’t expect any major overhaul of the businesses any time soon.

“Our strategic point is to increase service levels and service offerings,” stated Siffrin.

For example, the firm plans to dramatically increase the number of ccTLDs on Moniker as well as SnapNames.

You can also expect enhanced hosting options and other value-added services. SnapNames will also be integrated into the firm’s registrars (and potentially others in the future), which will give more exposure to domains for sale through the platform.

Pricing isn’t expected to change any time soon and clients will continue to use the Moniker and SnapNames interfaces they’re familiar with.

If you haven’t heard of Key-Systems, it’s probably since most of the firm’s clients come through resellers.

“Historically, Key-Systems started with a retail site but built a very stable API in the back of the retail site and decided to offer that to resellers,” stated Siffrin. “The impact it had to our business was more than we expected, so right now most of our clients come from the reseller area.”

Although KeyDrive is mostly in Germany and Luxembourg, it has existing offices in Austin, Texas and Leesburg, Virginia. With the buyout it now has a presence in Portland and Ft. Lauderdale. The firm is looking to hire a number of client support and account management personnel in its Florida office.

KeyDrive began talking to Oversee.net regarding acquiring the two businesses regarding a year ago and closed on the deal the Monday ahead of DOMAINfest. The sales price was not disclosed.

Also on the wire

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