Guard-IT Software Escrow Services: News & Press Releases

Guard-IT, SnapNames.com Partner to Protect Assets and Internet Domain Names

AUSTIN, TEXAS (May 8, 2001) – Software escrow provider Guard-IT Corporation has partnered with Portland, Oregon-based SnapNames.com Inc. in an effort to protect technology assets and secure Internet domain names (or URLs) in broad-based legal and business markets in the U.S. and abroad.

Guard-IT Corporation secures software source code, proprietary data and intellectual property by implementing and administering third-party escrow agreements for technology developers and their licensees. Escrow acts like title insurance for software and technology license agreements, securing the developer’s source code and intellectual property while protecting the licensee’s investment in the technology.

SnapNames monitors transactions between domain registrars and the master registry to register new domains, monitor existing domain availability and protect domain names already owned by its clients. According to SnapNames, about 90 percent of registered domain names are currently inactive and about 10,000 expire daily. SnapNames is the first to offer customers a way to backorder a domain name or guarantee they would be next in line to register it upon its expiration.

Guard-IT founder and CEO Jim Ford said the two offerings complement each other in the areas of intellectual asset protection and risk management.

“Source code and URLs are integral parts of any company's intellectual property portfolio,” Ford said. “Guard-IT and SnapNames will work together to educate the marketplace, refer clients and protect these technology assets. With our alliance, we expect to expand our collective service offering to a broader range of IT managers, intellectual property attorneys and business owners.”

SnapNames' SnapBack^TM service protects its subscribers from domain name hijacking, employee sabotage, accidental deletion and accidental cancellation due to failure to renew. By working with ICANN-accredited registrars, SnapNames provides subscribers with instant notification whenever their domain name records are modified, providing an early warning system in the event of a malicious or accidental alteration. The domain name is automatically "snapped back" with a one-year registration on behalf of the subscriber if it is somehow deleted from the registry.

“No business can afford to lose its domain name. SnapNames' toolkit is ideal for managers and attorneys who are responsible for obtaining, retaining and protecting this intellectual property,” Ford said.

About SnapNames

SnapNames.com Inc. provides comprehensive domain name protection services for registrants and their domain management agents. Its unique solution protects clients against fraudulent or accidental disruptions in domain name registration. Located in Portland, Oregon, SnapNames is privately-backed by seasoned Internet executives and strategic partner firms from the Internet industry and venture community. Visit www.snapnames.com or call (800) 385-4075 for details.

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