Is Google Domains Shutting Down? Latest News
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 28, 2023
What is Google Domains?
Google Domains is an online service operated by Google that serves as a domain name registrar. This service offers various features to assist users in managing their domains effectively. These features include domain registration, DNS hosting, dynamic DNS, domain forwarding, and email forwarding. Google Domains also integrates seamlessly with Google Cloud DNS and Google Workspace, providing users with native support for these services.
Additionally, it offers convenient one-click DNS configuration, enabling users to connect their domains with popular platforms such as Blogger, Google Sites, Squarespace, Wix.com, Weebly, Bluehost, Shopify, and Firebase. Furthermore, Google Domains supports essential functionalities such as domain privacy, custom nameservers, and DNSSEC for enhanced security.
It's worth noting that Google has been operating as a domain name registrar since as early as 2005. However, Google Domains was officially launched to the public in a beta testing phase on January 13, 2015. The beta phase lasted until March 15, 2022, when Google announced that Google Domains had successfully transitioned out of beta. By February 4, 2022, the service had expanded its support to encompass over 300 top-level domains, providing users with a wide range of options.
Is Google Domains Shutting Down?
Yes, Google Domains is indeed shutting down, and Squarespace will be acquiring the assets associated with the Google Domains business. This acquisition includes approximately 10 million domains hosted on Google Domains across numerous customers. As part of the agreement, Squarespace has committed to maintaining the current renewal prices for existing Google Domains customers for at least 12 months after the transaction is finalized.
Squarespace will also offer incentives to encourage these customers to create websites using Squarespace's platform and take advantage of their other services. During the migration process, Squarespace will utilize Google's infrastructure that powers Google Domains to ensure a seamless transfer of domains.
Matt Madrigal, the Vice President and General Manager of Merchant Shopping at Google, stated that the agreement with Squarespace is part of their efforts to sharpen their focus. Google's priority is to support a smooth transition for customers over the upcoming months with the assistance of the Google Domains team. Squarespace aims to provide an integrated experience for purchasing and managing domains, along with offering additional tools that customers may need to establish their online presence.
Who is this Squarespace?
Squarespace, Inc. is a prominent American company based in New York City that specializes in website building and hosting services. The company operates on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, offering users the tools and platform necessary to create and customize websites using pre-designed templates and a convenient drag-and-drop interface.
Squarespace was initially founded in 2003 by Anthony Casalena while he was studying at the University of Maryland, College Park. It started as a humble blog hosting service, with Casalena serving as the sole employee. However, by 2006, the company achieved significant growth, reaching $1 million in revenue. Over the years, Squarespace experienced substantial expansion. In 2010, the company had a workforce of 30 employees, and by 2015, it had grown to employ 550 individuals.
During this period, Squarespace secured a total of $78.5 million in venture capital funding. The company utilized these resources to enhance its offerings, introducing e-commerce tools, domain name services, and advanced analytics capabilities. Notably, Squarespace also transformed its coding backend, replacing it with a user-friendly drag-and-drop feature set that facilitated website customization.
To further solidify its presence in the market, Squarespace made its initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange on May 19, 2021. This move demonstrated the company's significant growth and market value.
According to data from W3Techs, Squarespace currently powers approximately 1.9% of the top 10 million websites worldwide, highlighting its popularity and widespread adoption among website owners.
With its user-friendly interface, diverse template options, and comprehensive suite of website-building tools, Squarespace has become a well-known and reputable platform for individuals and businesses seeking to establish and maintain a strong online presence.
Is Google Domains Shutting Down - FAQs
Yes, Google Domains is indeed shutting down. Google has announced that Squarespace will be acquiring the assets associated with the Google Domains business.
Approximately 10 million domains hosted on Google Domains will be transferred to Squarespace as part of the acquisition. Squarespace will ensure a smooth transfer of these domains using Google's infrastructure.
Squarespace will provide incentives to encourage Google Domains customers to create websites using their platform and utilize other Squarespace services. These incentives aim to enhance the overall experience for customers transitioning from Google Domains.
The migration process from Google Domains to Squarespace is expected to take several months. Both companies will work together to ensure a seamless transition for customers during this period.