GoDaddy Inc., a number one domain registration and hosting firm, has partnered with Ethereum Title Service (ENS) to facilitate connecting conventional domain names with blockchain-based .eth names.
The collaboration was introduced in a press release on Feb. 5. It goals to permit the seamless connection of the Domain Title System (DNS) with blockchain know-how, enabling over 20 million GoDaddy customers to entry the advantages of ENS infrastructure with out incurring further prices or requiring technical experience.
Paul Nicks, GoDaddy’s president of domains, mentioned the collaboration is a merger of domain and blockchain applied sciences that may permit domain customers to discover the latter’s advantages with out further prices. He added:
“We’re not just linking domain names to blockchain addresses; we’re creating a bridge between two generations of internet technology. This collaboration ensures that our users can enjoy the best of both worlds with minimal friction.”
The partnership represents an effort to combine Web2 and Web3 ecosystems, benefiting customers throughout each platforms, in accordance to the press launch.
Bridging Web2 and Web3
ENS, the main naming protocol within the cryptocurrency house, allows customers to change complicated Ethereum addresses with human-readable names, comparable to how DNS interprets numeric IP addresses into memorable domain names.
The collaboration seeks to merge the reliability of DNS with the innovation of blockchain know-how, simplifying person interactions with net domains. It additionally addresses obstacles reminiscent of excessive fuel charges and technical challenges that beforehand deterred domain identify linkage to the Ethereum blockchain.
ENS has launched new sensible contracts to facilitate a cost-free course of for DNS to ENS linking, enhancing person management over decentralized identities and simplifying on-line asset administration. The partnership additionally indicators a rising curiosity in merging blockchain with conventional applied sciences, aiming for broader adoption and performance of blockchain in mainstream purposes.
ENS founder Nick Johnson mentioned the partnership has the potential to leverage the strengths of each legacy and blockchain applied sciences. Johnson added:
“By removing the technical barriers and cost concerns, we’re opening up a world of possibilities for domain owners to explore the benefits of blockchain technology. This is about more than just linking domain names; it’s about paving the way for a decentralized, user-centric internet”
Authorized dispute
The deal comes amid an ongoing authorized dispute between GoDaddy and ENS, which facilities across the “eth.link” domain.
True Names Ltd., the nonprofit behind ENS, alongside with Virgil Griffith, filed a lawsuit towards GoDaddy. The lawsuit alleges that GoDaddy violated an settlement to “respect, acknowledge, and protect” the eth.link domain identify. True Names is looking for at the least $75,000 in damages as per the criticism.
In accordance to the lawsuit filed within the U.S. District Courtroom for the District of Arizona, the eth.link registration was set to expire on July 26, 2023. Nevertheless, there was a dispute concerning the domain’s expiration and subsequent sale.
GoDaddy had indicated that the domain identify can be obtainable for buy once more on September 5, 2022, however it was offered to a 3rd occasion — crypto startup Manifold Finance — earlier than this date.
ENS regained management of the eth.link domain after profitable an injunction towards GoDaddy, showcasing the continuing authorized and operational challenges between the 2 corporations. Nevertheless, the dispute continues to be ongoing in court docket.
